Intelligence of Love

“Through her discussions of how veganism and Montessori’s philosophy promote compassion, Martha Readyoff points the way to a rich and meaningful life. I especially like the author’s attention to the young child’s ability to lead us along this path.”
–Bill Crain, author of Theories of Development and Animal Stories

“What happens when the foundation of Montessori education–caring and compassion–extends beyond the classroom to include every living being? This insightful read explores the vital intersection of veganism and Montessori education while challenging the ingrained beliefs we inadvertently pass to the next generation. Readyoff confronts the realities of our environmental impact, noting that ‘Earth has become a farm for raising and feeding livestock.’ However, this book is more than that; it is a roadmap for revolution. Through plant-based living, awareness of the environmental impact humans have on our beautiful planet, and educational strategies for all ages, the book offers practical solutions for fostering global citizens. By learning to bear witness to painful realities, you can help cultivate the ‘heart-seed of positive change’ and ensure a sustainable planet for our children to inhabit.”
–Elise Thayer DeCarolis, teacher

“I wish I could say I’m a perfect vegan. I’m not. What Intelligence of Love offers is something more valuable than perfection: it makes the effort feel meaningful no matter how successful I am, and leaves no room for shame. I was riveted from start to finish. It’s a book I know I’ll return to often, and one I will confidently recommend to anyone seeking encouragement and a deeper understanding of vegan philosophy. Martha Readyoff approaches veganism not as a rigid ideology, but as a thoughtful moral and ethical choice, one that is becoming increasingly accessible thanks to a growing, supportive community and expanding options. This book is neither preachy nor political. Instead, it is grounded, compassionate, and practical, offering every resource a perfect or imperfect vegan, and all those in between, could want. It is also infused with the love, care, and patience of a Montessori classroom. As Maria Montessori said, ‘Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still.’”
–Gillian Desjardins, former Montessori parent

“Intelligence of Love demonstrates the affinity between Montessori’s goal of world peace and the practice of ethical veganism. It exposes the invisible assaults on vulnerable people and non-human animals that our dominant ideology seeks to obscure. Readyoff directs curious readers to curated booklists, recipe websites, and podcasts, and suggests many creative ways for Montessori teachers to fold compassion into the curriculum.”
–Amy Hughes, former Montessori parent and teacher

“Intelligence of Love lays bare the casualties of animal agriculture honestly but compassionately. Readyoff sets a contemplative tone, encouraging educators to explore how our approach to education can be more effectively aligned with the Montessori cornerstone of ‘Cosmic Work’ and purpose. A thoughtful, fact-filled guide that straddles the delicate line between difficult truths and optimism and leaves the reader with a plethora of beneficial information with which to stock our curricula and support our tenets of empathy, respect, and community. Intelligence of Love is just the beginning of a necessary conversation.”
–Nora Hulton, Montessori teacher, director of sustainability

“Intelligence of Love is a comprehensive and thought-provoking book that illuminates how veganism is not only aligned with Montessori philosophy, but emerges as a natural and necessary extension of it. It offers both insights and practical tools for educators and families seeking to live in accordance with Montessori’s vision of compassion, peace, and responsibility.”
–Melanie Joy, PhD, author of Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows and How to End Injustice Everywhere

“I was deeply moved by this exploration of the connections between Maria Montessori’s philosophy and veganism. Readyoff thoughtfully examines how the deep principles of Montessori’s teachings, including peace education, respect for all living beings, and stewardship of the Earth, naturally lead us to consider our relationship with animals, food, and the environment. Intelligence of Love invites the Montessori community to reflect on how the values we nurture in children can guide us toward a more sustainable and compassionate way of living. In a moment when climate change challenges us to reconsider how we live on this planet, Readyoff’s book feels both urgent and hopeful. She offers the Montessori community an opportunity to reflect on how the compassionate food choices we make on a daily basis may be one of the most powerful lessons we can offer children.”
–Lynn Shea, LCSW, school social worker, former Montessori parent and teacher

“Grace, compassion, mercy–human tendencies that can benefit from increased attention in our world. Readyoff brilliantly weaves foundational principles of Montessori education to illuminate our normalized beliefs that only some animals deserve our love, so we can then bravely interrogate why other animals are valued solely for our consumption. This book charts a life path where we can each bear witness to our role as environmental stewards to move towards cosmic charity, collective social change, and compassion for all living beings.”
–Dr. Susan Zoll, Montessorian and author of Implementing the Montessori Method and Powerful Literacy in the Montessori Classroom

Martha Readyoff has been a Montessori teacher since 2001 at the same school she once attended as a student. She has been vegan since 2010. Her current project is developing a website that can be used as a forum for Montessori teachers to discuss vegan issues and curriculum. She is a poet, an occasional baker (vegan, of course), and a creative dabbler. Her book of poetry, Little Lives (Antrim House Books, 2022), is a celebration of language, nature, and the vulnerable beings of the world. Intelligence of Love is her first book of nonfiction.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.