The Beauty of Education

Mr. Raju Narayana Swami, IAS, a distinguished scholar, orator, and civil service officer, delivered a public speech in which he referenced a beautiful quote on education that sparked my curiosity from the first line and motivated me to explore further. Google helped me find the source of the quote by an anonymous author; it was from “The Mystic Star,” a monthly magazine published in Chicago in 1873.

The poetic quote highlights the value of early education obtained from the family, environment, and nature, in the following manner:

“Education does not commence with the alphabet.

It begins with a mother's look, with a father's nod of approbation, or a sign of reproof.

With a sister's gentle pressure of the hand, or a brother's noble act of forbearance.

With a handful of flowers in green dells, on hills, and daisy meadows.

With bird's nests admired but not touched.

With creeping ants and almost imperceptible elements.

With humming bees and glass beehives.

With pleasant walks in shady lanes,

And with thoughts directed in sweet and kindly tones and words to nature, acts of benevolence, deeds of virtue, and the sources of all good – to God Himself.”

The quote beautifully presents the role of the family in early education and highlights the importance of emotional support, positive reinforcement, and the development of essential social and emotional skills within the family environment; these early experiences lay the foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth.

The quote also inspires us to cultivate a deep affection for and respect of nature and its inhabitants, as well as an appreciation for the innate interconnectedness of all living beings.

The quote ends by acknowledging supreme consciousness, or the source of goodness, and seeking inspiration from a higher power.

As an educator, I found these heartening lines so important and inspiring. In this world of cutthroat competition and fast-paced technological advancements, life for many is like a big bubble, lacking a strong holistic foundation and awareness of who we are and where we are going.

Life is beautiful with a strong foundation of family values, love for nature and living beings, and gratitude toward the divine.

Praveen Kamalamma