His characteristic answer was: "I place no value on these forms unless they depend upon and express the inner self.

Where that is thoroughly trained for life and work, externals may be left to themselves, and will supplement the other." The opponent admits this, but declares that the Keilhau method, which made no account of outward form, may defer this "supplement" in a way disastrous to certain pupils.
Froebel's answer is: "Certainly, a wax pear can be made much more quickly and is just as beautiful as those on the tree, which require a much longer time to ripen.

But the wax pear is only to look at, can barely be touched, far less could it afford refreshment to the thirsty and the sick.

It is empty--a mere nothing! The child's nature, it is said, resembles wax.

Very well, we don't grudge wax fruits to any one who likes them.