In Montessori theory order is inner order or being able to see meaning in one’s existence, to find one’s identity, to achieve independence, and to act in a meaningful, disciplined way. (Montessori, Mario Jr.) It is evidenced by equilibrium, serenity, and self-control. (Montessori, Maria)

“Order is, in short, the true key to rapidity of reaction. In a chaotic mind, the recognition of a sensation is no less difficult than the elaboration of a reasoned discourse. In all things, social as well as others, it is organization and order which make it possible to proceed rapidly… To be able to distinguish is the characteristic sign of intelligence to distinguish is to arrange and also, in life, it is to prepare for ‘creation.’ Creation finds its expansions in order.” (Montessori, Maria, The Advanced Montessori Methods, Volume I, p. 150) “Order—things in their place. It means a knowledge of the arrangement of objects in the child’s surroundings, a recollection of the place where each belongs. And this means that he can orient himself in his environment, possess it in all its details. Plainly the child’s love of order is something more than what the adult means by the word. It is a vital need at a certain age, in which disorder is painful and is felt as a wound…” (Montessori, Maria, The Secret of Childhood, pp. 41-42)