"If education is always to be conceived along the same antiquated lines of a mere transmission of knowledge, there is little to be hoped from it in the bettering of man's future. For what is the use of transmitting knowledge if the individual's total development lags behind?"

Maria Montessori is expressing her belief that conventional education, which focuses entirely on the transmission of knowledge from teacher to student, is obsoleted and inadequate for the improvement of humanity's future. She argues that education must not only communicate facts and information but likewise promote the full advancement of the person. Without this extensive technique, sending knowledge will ultimately be useless.