Self-Knowledge (Annotated Youth Edition): Ourselves, Book 1

by Charlotte M. Mason, Sonya Shafer (Contributor)

Charlotte Mason wrote two books directly to young Self-Knowledge and Self-Direction . (Both are combined within the volume Ourselves for parents.) She had a strong desire to help teens understand all of the beautiful and noble possibilities that exist within them, as well as the dangers that assault their souls and try to hinder them from making the most of themselves. In Self-Knowledge , with Charlotte Mason as a guide, your student will explore the country of Mansoul—all of his powers of thinking, knowing, loving, judging, appreciating, willing, and achieving. He will learn about the four Houses of Government within the House of Body, the House of Mind, the House of Heart, and the House of Soul. And he will meet the powers that operate in those Houses, from his appetites and his senses to his intellect, imagination, and reason. He will gain wisdom about how love and justice are demonstrated in everyday decisions and attitudes, and he will be challenged to form good habits that will help him be prepared for every good work. Designed as a complete package, Self-Knowledge makes Ourselves , Book 1, friendly and convenient for students and parents alike.

Genres: Education, Parenting

244 pages, Paperback

Published May 13, 2020

About the author

Charlotte Mason, a renowned British educator, lived during the turn of the 20th century. She turned the idea of education being something of utilitarian necessity into an approach based upon living ideas. She believed that education is "an atmosphere, a discipline, a life" and a "science of relations." Her methods are embraced around the world today, especially among the homeschool community.

Reviews

[Cassandra]

Much goodness to be had. Reading this with my teens. I really like this edition as it it small and compact with definitions and notes in the margins.

[Leah]

“A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify…People say, ‘Take care of the pennies, and the pounds will take care of themselves’; but far more true is, ‘Take care of the thoughts, and the acts will take care of themselves.’”

“It is so good and pleasant…to observe and treasure the record of the beauty of perfectness in any man’s work, whether the work be a great poem or the sweeping of a room.”

“Every effort makes the next easier, and, once we mount upon that easy nag, Habit, why, it is a real satisfaction to do the day’s work in the day, and be free to enjoy the day’s leisure.”

[Jessica Perteet]

I started this book over two years ago reading it slowly with my big kids. It’s so good but the Victorian language can sometimes be difficult to get through.