which aim to teach: books on philosophy, art, the sciences, etc.

There should be very few novels (the students read only too many novels), and no modern novels, unless they are of particularly good quality.

Literature has its place in the “Bibliothèque Choisie”, so that the students can learn what literature is.

The most important thing to be taken into consideration when selecting books, is the quality of the language and style,¹ something “splendid” as in Flaubert. No translations, or very few, and only if they are of famous works one cannot say “masterpieces” because there are so few of them!²

                                                                

(About the bad books which are to be withdrawn from

the “Bibliothèque Choisie”, Mother saidJ

 

They should be put in a special place, in a special room called “Bad Books”, so that those who want to study what they contain may do so.

Great care must be taken when ordering books.

The question of the “Bibliothèque Choisie” is an important one.

 

MESSAGE FOR THE “BIBLIOTHÈQUE CHOISIE”

 The aim of the “Bibliothèque Choisie” is to teach French well.

1. The books should be well written.

2. Preference should be given to those that are interesting from the point of view of learning.           

3. Include novels only if they are remarkably well written.

4. Very few translations only those of famous books.          

5. Send all the rest to the Big Library with the note: “Not to be recommended.”³

1971

*

¹As this sentence was being read out, Mother showed particular approval.

²This note was taken down after a conversation between Mother and the same teacher. It was read to Mother, who wrote “Approved” and signed it.

³This message was dictated by Mother, then checked by her and signed.

Page – 330

(The teacher read out to Mother a letter in which

she had written, among other things: “I think it is pos-

sible to change most of the books in the “Bibliothèque

Choisie” and to raise its standard a little. Please tell

me if you approve of this and if I may try to realise

it.” Mother replied orally, with force :*)

 

Completely, I approve completely. It is indispensable. We have fallen to such a level! In everything! Ah, I agree completely.

1972

*

(6)

Mother's Action in a Class of Children

Aged Ten to Eleven

How should we teach French to the young children?

The best thing would be to tell them a story, using very simple words and phrases so that they can understand (a little story, short and interesting or amusing), and then afterwards ask them to write down in class what they have heard.

Yes, but the children are very noisy.

A minimum of silence is necessary. I know that the most undisciplined children are usually the most intelligent. But to be tamed they must feel the pressure of an intelligence that is more powerful than their own. And for that, one must be able not to come down to their level, and above all know how to remain unaffected by what they do. In fact, it is a yogic problem.

Can calm in the teacher provide the solution to all

these problems?

Page – 331