It is a peculiarity of human nature that we tend to follow the Great Man
(less often Woman, but that might change), and His Profound Ideas, usually
as detailed in a Sacred Text, such as Mien Kampf, or Communist Manifesto, or
Bible. This then tends to dogmatism, certainty, and denial of all Others.
Such defect in the human psyche may yet prove our undoing, as global
warming, and other aspects of ecological disaster loom - at present
tenuously dealt with in an aspirational way, while Global Sceptics are
dogmatically in denial.
Wars of Religion rage, as they always have, as one group of dogmatists
fight another. Humans will kill each other for no more apparent reason than
a minor difference in mental aberration.
In the world of Education, pedagogic theories abound, and the dogmatic
tendency too can prevail, such that the One True Theory can be imposed, in
spite of all evidence to the contrary, for generations at a time.
It seems we now have the Rudolf Steiner Theory of Education, in which the
basic concept appears to be - that kindergarten (child's garden) should
continue throughout a child's schooling. The child should develop at its
own pace (where have we heard that before?), and artistic, spiritual, and
social skills cultivated to produce a Rounded Individual at harmony with
self and fellows.
But let's not cavil; let Experiment prevail - provided that it is a
choice, and not universally imposed. Then we can judge by results, and
provide remedial care if needed.
It may be that Steiner stock will be brilliant students, outstripping
their less fortunate contemporaries; in which case, parents will flock to
support the Steiner Method. Or, it might be that yet another crowd of
semi-literates will eventuate.
What is the basis of Education ("leading out")? it is Curiosity - and this
can be developed, channelled, or dissipated, depending on teaching
direction. It can also be killed off, such that a child, frustrated with
reading, decides to avoid books if possible.
In education, as with most things, we judge by results, and a system is
quackery if it doesn't produce its claimed outcomes. But let's not condemn
outright any system of education, but ensure introduction is on a trial
basis, and dogmatism avoided. Let systems run in parallel, and the best
selected, empirically.
PS: "Spirituality" is a key concept in Steinerism, and this, presumably,
means "refined emotion". The origin of "spirit" comes from the last breath
of the dying tribal Leader, his expiration indicating his life-soul leaving
the body - the phlogiston theory of physiology. This became the basis for a
whole realm of Other-worldly Beings. (spirit - respire, expire, inspire)

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