{"tema_id":"3","string":"Cosmic task and purpose","created":"2023-02-02 18:32:02","code":null,"modified":"2023-10-10 03:40:02","notes":[{"@type":"Definition","@lang":"en","@value":"The concept of cosmic task and purpose in Montessori philosophy is predicated on the idea that every living being has a unique role in maintaining the balance and progress of life. Just as nature operates in harmony\u2014bees pollinate flowers; earthworms enrich the soil\u2014humans, too, have a cosmic task: to contribute to the evolution of civilization. Montessori believed that education should help children discover their purpose by nurturing their talents, moral awareness, and sense of responsibility. This journey begins with the transformation of the Montessori prepared adult, who must develop a vision of their own cosmic purpose to guide children in their search for meaning. According to Montessori, each person has two fundamental purposes: the first is serving oneself, family, and the immediate community; the second, deeper purpose is serving humanity and the Earth, a responsibility that, when unfulfilled, leaves life incomplete and the world out of balance. Through an awareness of cosmic law and order, individuals find their place of influence within the greater whole and construct their impact on society through their unique talents, choices, and character. The third plane of development (ages 12\u201318) is a critical period for adolescents to cultivate a cosmic vision (a deeper understanding of their role in the world) so they may live with purpose, creativity, and compassion. "},{"@type":"Bibliographic note (Maria Montessori Sources)","@lang":"en-US","@value":"Montessori, M. (2007). The formation of man (p. 52). Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company. (Original work published 1949) Source: [Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company] Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company. Montessori series English. https:\/\/montessori-pierson.com\/collections\/montessori-series-english"},{"@type":"Bibliographic note (Maria Montessori Sources)","@lang":"en-US","@value":"Montessori, M. (2007). To educate the human potential (pp. 24-25). Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company. (Original work published 1948) Source: [Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company] Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company. Montessori series English. https:\/\/montessori-pierson.com\/collections\/montessori-series-english"},{"@type":"Bibliographic note (Maria Montessori Sources)","@lang":"en-US","@value":"Montessori, M. (2012). The 1946 London lectures (A. Haines, Ed.) (pp. 89-91). Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company. Source: [Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company] Montessori-Pierson Publishing Company. Montessori series English. https:\/\/montessori-pierson.com\/collections\/montessori-series-english"},{"@type":"Bibliographic note (Montessori Related Sources)","@lang":"en-US","@value":"Grazzini, C. (2013). Maria Montessori\u2019s cosmic vision, cosmic plan, and cosmic education. The NAMTA Journal, 38(1), 107\u2013116. https:\/\/archives.montessori-ami.org\/do\/aa24b930-a110-4798-84ce-14591d808f67 Source: [AMI Montessori Archives] Association Montessori Internationale. The NAMTA journal collection. AMI Montessori Archives.  https:\/\/archives.montessori-ami.org\/do\/45b057ed-8382-4e1a-825b-82c6c5caff8f"},{"@type":"Bibliographic note (Montessori Related Sources)","@lang":"en-US","@value":"Stephenson, S. M. (2015). Cosmic education: The child\u2019s discovery of a global vision and a cosmic task. The NAMTA Journal, 40(2), 151\u2013163. https:\/\/archives.montessori-ami.org\/do\/fcf0f21c-9a17-4cb2-aedf-a7887019399f Source: [AMI Montessori Archives] Association Montessori Internationale. The NAMTA journal collection. AMI Montessori Archives.  https:\/\/archives.montessori-ami.org\/do\/45b057ed-8382-4e1a-825b-82c6c5caff8f"},{"@type":"Bibliographic note (Montessori Related Sources)","@lang":"en-US","@value":"Schjetnan, T. (2026, August 18). Fostering gratitude through cosmic education. Association Montessori Internationale. https:\/\/montessori-ami.org\/trainingvoices\/fostering-gratitude Source: [AMI Montessori Archives] Association Montessori Internationale. The NAMTA journal collection. AMI Montessori Archives.  https:\/\/archives.montessori-ami.org\/do\/45b057ed-8382-4e1a-825b-82c6c5caff8f"},{"@type":"Bibliographic note (Modern Scientific Insights)","@lang":"en-US","@value":"Yeager, D. S., Henderson, M. D., D\u2019Mello, S., Paunesku, D., Walton, G. M., Spitzer, B. J., & Duckworth, A. L. (2014). Boring but important: A self-transcendent purpose for learning fosters academic self-regulation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 107(4), 559\u2013580. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/a0037637 "},{"@type":"Bibliographic note (Modern Scientific Insights)","@lang":"en-US","@value":"Whitburn, J., Linklater, W., & Abrahamse, W. (2020). Meta-analysis of human connection to nature and proenvironmental behavior. Conservation Biology, 34(1), 180\u2013193. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/cobi.13381 "},{"@type":"Bibliographic note (Modern Scientific Insights)","@lang":"en-US","@value":"Song, J. Y., Klebl, C., & Bastian, B. (2023). Awe promotes moral expansiveness via the small-self. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2023.1097627 "},{"@type":"Contributors","@lang":"en-US","@value":"Rog\u00e9r Dijk, Montessori School Community Amsterdam "},{"@type":"Contributors","@lang":"en-US","@value":"Paige M. Bray, University of Hartford "}]}