The Happiness Podcast 021 - The Religion Called Freedom
Sep 25, 2019
A reflection on freeing people from inner conflict through choice and sensitivity. A look at education that lets children choose learning and recover natural curiosity. A contrast between coercive systems and a “religion” of freedom that nourishes the soul. Suggestions to feed inner life with nature, art, meaningful work, and good company.
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Summerhill Transformation From Rebellion To Joy
- Anthony de Mello recounts A.S. Neill's Summerhill school where children were left free and transformed from 'little devils' into happy, social kids in about six months.
- Neill refused to guide children, removed repressed anger from convent-school pupils, and let them form values that proved good and social.
Freedom Removes Inner Conflict And Improves Conduct
- The religion that enforces behavior makes people bad by creating inner conflict, while a religion of freedom removes that conflict and makes people good.
- Neill claimed to 'destroy its conscience' because consciousness and sensitivity replace the need for an imposed conscience.
Stop Pushing Yourself And Let Goodness Develop
- Stop making demands and expectations of yourself; cease pushing yourself and allow the seed of goodness to develop through sensitivity and consciousness.
- Understand the root of your inner evil to halt self-pressure and enable natural growth.
