CMP Review 2025-01-21
January 21, 2025
Many readers of Charlotte Mason’s volumes are intrigued by the first nine chapters of volume 5, Some Studies in the Formation of Character. These chapters are all stories which resemble case studies told with a narrative flair. They all talk about habit and how infirmities of mind and heart can be cured.
Over the years in the Idyll Challenge I have heard many interesting discussions about these chapters. Some people love the stories as providing detailed examples of how Mason’s principles can be applied in practice. Others dislike them, preferring a more systematic presentation of Mason’s ideas. And many question whether the stories are really plausible. Can a mental habit be cured the way Mason describes?
When I hear these questions I think back to a testimony written shortly after one of the first of Mason’s imaginary case studies was published. Mason herself described the testimony as a “bonâ fide statement.” I like it because it is a case study that is true. It is a wonderful companion to Mason’s fifth volume and you can read or listen to it here.
@artmiddlekauff