E.M Standing wrote that "Montessori's life was a path leading through narrow defiles to sudden horizons; a series of experiences linking themselves together to prepare the next step."
Maria Montessori took great pity on the mentally retarded she found and determined to actually help them. She began by making extensive observations. The author points out that the difference was that she cared and that they were now being observed by a genius. Ultimately, Maria made great progress. Her main discovery was that they were decipherable. This enabled her to provide them with equipment, albeit limited, with which to further their development. She found amongst the developmentally disabled what she would make more discoveries about later; she "discovered the child." The "idiots" who responded best to her efforts became able to perform as well as normal children being given standard education in some areas.
Years later, Maria Montessori was able to work with "normal" children for the first time. She did this by being willing to work with children who were living in slums areas of Rome. There was the introduction of a public child care service for some working parents' young children. Maria ended up with 60 young children, two women assistants, some funding, and lots of time with these youngsters.
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