Human Tendencies

Human tendencies are patterns and behaviors that are universal. They are natural laws that lead us to act or react in specific ways or in a specific manner. Tendencies are not just for survival, they are also what make humans creative. Human beings are able to feel joy and make progress because of tendencies. We have potentiality, which is expressed through needs, towards progress and fulfillment.

One human tendency is a sense for order.

Montessori (2009) explains,
“Order - things in their place. It means knowledge of the arrangement of objects in the child’s surroundings, a recollection of the place where each belongs.” (p. 41)

Order gives a sense of security. When we are secure because of order, we are able to explore, and feel free. Furthermore, with order, life is more predictable. External order helps with, and is as important as, internal order. Montessori (2009) states,
“A characteristic of very small babies is their love for order. Babies of a year and half or two show clearly something that shows itself obscurely even earlier; they need order in their surroundings.” (p.37)

Order gives us an inner compass which allows us to follow through with our intentions. For children, order is a very serious matter. For adults, order is also desired because it makes things more predictable. However, it is not as serious a matter as it is for children.