The quality of being aware of something, having internal knowledge. Being alert and recognising ideas and/or objects. (Boehnlein)

“Another mentality has come, the conscious mentality, which is entirely different. When consciousness comes, all acquisitions must be made by learning, and much that we learn we also forget.” (Montessori, Maria, Communications, 2009, 1-2, p. 13 and the Absorbent Mind, Lecture No. 9 - 13 December 1948) “…Thus it happens at the age of three, life seems to begin again; for now consciousness shines forth in all its fullness and glory. Only with the advent of consciousness do we have unity of the personality, and therefore the power to remember.” (Montessori, Maria, The Absorbent Mind, p.147) “Before consciousness arrives, there is great activity and work in the unconscious. The child is unconscious but has great ability and power.” (Montessori, Maria, The 1946 London Lectures, p. 62)