The Pencil

Today was a special day. I shared Milton Friedman’s perspective on the pencil, with the elementary class children at the Montessori.

The approach to his lesson is unique. It takes almost a 1000 people from different parts of the world to find and assemble the wood, compressed graphite, the paint, the eraser and the metal piece that holds it in place — to create the yellow pencil.

These people from different countries have different religions and different cultures. Yet they work towards a common goal — creating an affordable product. The takeaway is simple. The free market enterprise creates value for all of us.

I was particularly impressed by our precious children. They sat attentively, and asked good questions. As I left their classroom, I was reassured that our future is in good hands. These young girls and boys were engaged, curious and well behaved. Kudos to the team of teachers that have laid a fantastic foundation for the long term success of these stars in the making. I am so proud of Team Montessori.