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THE SUZUKI METHOD
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With a very Confucian faith in moral example as the basis of society and faith in culture and the beauty, Suzuki wanted to extend his Talent Education to all areas of life. "I want, if I can, to get education changed from mere instruction to education in the real sense of the word - education that inculcates, brings out, develops the human potential based on the growing life of the child."

In Japan, there is much talk at the moment about the supposed moral degeneration of youth, problems of bullying, absenteeism and dropping-out. In reaction to this, educational authorities seem to look towards outside models for liberalizing the school education. While this may yield positive results, reflexion on the traditional ethos of child-rearing, still found in the spirit of school club activities and the teaching of traditional arts, could also offer answers.

Suzuki, who absorbed this ethos while creating what was received as a revolutionary way of teaching, had several lessons to teach the school system. "While a big fuss about exams and study is made throughout Japan, what kind of human beings will be fostered? I am sad to think that this will only produce a multitude of people who have the ability to understand, but lack real ability, a race of people who are only strong in taking exams."

To him, a humanist education inspired by beauty in the arts was the key to a life of fulfillment. He believed that all children can be well-educated and that it is forbidden to turn away those who seem to be dropping behind. Suzuki's message is that through praise, encouragement, firm training and provided there is a high degree of parental and teacher responsibility, all children can be led to find their capacity as human beings.

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