Charlotte Mason–Habits of Mind Shape Character
I have been thinking lately about Philippians 4:8 where Paul writes:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
I take Paul to mean that we should always “think on these things”. The Amplified Bible translates it as “think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].” In other words, make a habit of considering the good, the true and the beautiful.
It reminds me of what Charlotte Mason said in Home Education, that “… education is the formation of habits” (p. 97).
Education forms habits, habits shape character and character is destiny. Could this be the intent of Paul’s words?
Why do we homeschool? Isn’t it to nurture truthful, honest, justice-loving, pure, lovely children of good repute? It is not to produce academically sound minds, but to develop persons who are ”these things”. Such a person will succeed not matter what they do.
How can we be sure our children will have these qualities? How can we have children who “think on these things”? First, is the study and memorization of the Word of God.
Next, we have to look at what children study and how they spend their time. That is when it dawned on me that Charlotte Mason was right. Children must have many books of high quality with living ideas. If children are given living books that inspire and delight with great and noble ideas, then these ideas form habits of mind and habits of well-doing.
What’s more–Picture Study and Composer Study, poetry, recitation, narration-all of these are a form of “thinking on” truth, honesty, justice, purity, loveliness and those things of good report.
Charlotte Mason’s would say that the purpose of education is to make it possible for children to grow in habits of body, mind and spirit. I think the apostle Paul would agree.