Reverence for children is reverence for life. Shinichi Suzuki, known to many as the originator of the Suzuki approach to music instruction, has demonstrated reverence for children throughout his life. This story captures a moment of that respect.
I was lecturing at a small kindergarten in the Kansai Area. After the lecture I sat in the middle of the front row in the room while listening to the children give a concert. Just then, a barefooted beggar child of six or seven came to my side and confronted me. I invited him to sit in the empty seat next to me so that we could listen together. The child nodded in acceptance and listened quietly.