Page:Pedagogía Tolteca.djvu/16

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
5. - EDUCATION AS SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT INTERSECTORAL ELEMENT

One of the most outstanding and important features of the Anahuac civilization, was the possession of a free public and compulsory education system. Unlike other mother civilizations mother, the anahuaca placed a special emphasis on education.

"Nothing else I admired most and seemed more worthy of praise and memory than the care and order to raise their children, by the Mexicans" father José de Acosta (1540-1600). Nat. and Moral history. Sixth Book, chapter 27.


One could assert that civilization itself was based in education. No other humanity ancient people acted this way. With full coverage, mandatory for parents and authorities, and with a sense of being totally free. This education "conscience and concern" in which the Anáhuac inhabitants lived for three thousand years, is now seldom seen, very few countries have it. Because it is not only wealth and national power, but goes beyond, gravitates on a very high humanist horizon. So today we find very rich and powerful countries where public, private and family education occupies a secondary place in the society and State priorities.


The ancient Mexico education was an indispensable part of humanization. The Tollan or the city was conceived as educated persons living in community, with a very high objective or social purpose and shared by all members, from a millennial educational process, in which community "service" was essential.




16