The Golden Rule is the essence of wisdom of every age and every culture. It fosters the life-sustaining belief that civilization is a cooperative product, and what separates the barbarian from the civilized is our concern for others. Thus the essence of the civilized human being is the understanding of our oneness: that the cosmos and every one and every thing in it are interrelated and interdependent. The barbarian is the immature human being, who is totally self-absorbed, unable to perceive the reality of our interdependence.

The curriculum begins with the premise that life has a purpose, that each one of us is significant, and that each of us has a destiny to fulfill. Our destiny is tied to our gifts, and we are all born gifted. The traditional concept of “gifted” means to be in the presence of something given; the more we are given, the more is expected of us. Our gifts are our inborn duty.

Imbued with a sense of purpose, with a sense of dignity, with a sense of destiny, pupils internalize basic skills, as well as knowledge, in a profound way that goes beyond the ability to realize “profits,” meaning money, to one that means true profit, fulfillment of oneself, on every level. The basic irony here lies in the fact that by becoming a person of integrity, the individual not only reaps ethical enrichment but also economic reward. Thus education, by building character, develops successful breadwinners.

The entire curriculum is held together by the principle of unity in diversity, the Logos Principle, the balanced union of opposites, the eternal character of integrity. The Logos Principle is the hub around which learning always turns. Like a kaleidoscope, each turn is a different configuration of the pattern and process of unified diversity, where the small is equally significant as the great.

Returning the pattern and process of unified diversity to the curriculum regenerates the oldest tradition of family life, the interdependence of all the members of the family upon each other for the common good. Family consciousness breeds a sense of belonging and honor, a sense of personal responsibility, and an awareness of one’s obligations toward one’s family and one’s community.