Samowychowanie

Abstract

The article first defines self-discipline, emphasizing that the basis of it are: self-realization, self-evaluation, and self-control. In the Christian understanding, the essence of self-discipline can be viewed as being controlled by a well-developed conscience. Then an attempt was made to answer the question: „what is man?” because it bears on the understanding of the essence of discipline. A brief survey of answers to this question was concluded with the statement of the Christian interpretation of the essence of man, who is not only „of nature”, but also carries a divine element: intelligence and a spiritual dimension. The article also provides a brief historical survey on the problem of selfdiscipline, taking into account certain pedagogical trends. The Christian conception of discipline and self-discipline was presented on the basis of the „Declaration on Christian discipline”, a document of the Vatican Council II. Then the author put forward some suggestions concerning progress in self-discipline. He pointed out the necessity of preparing children for self-discipline at an early age and of matching this process with the stages in the physical and psychological development of a man. Certain directions for the development of self-discipline, difficulties connected with it, and the possibilities in the area of teaching self-discipline were indicated. A comment was also made on inner life, which is the basis for man’s all-round development. It was observed that self-discipline in inner life requires the leadership and means which are at the disposal of Christian ascetism. The article was concluded with pedagogical suggestions.