How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph.)
Quote #1
"Education is experience, and the essence of experience is self-reliance." (S.5.25)
Right from the get-go, Merlyn wants Wart out there on his own, learning how to navigate the world. You can't do this if you always have someone watching over your shoulder. The training wheels (or here, fins) have to come off sooner or later, because you only learn when you rely on yourself.
Quote #2
Marian showed them how to go sideways, one side after the other; how to stop at once when a bramble caught them, and take it patiently out; how to put their feet down sensitively and roll their weight to that leg as soon as they were certain that no twig was under the foot; how to distinguish at a glance the places which gave most hope of an easy passage; and how a kind of rhythm in their movements would help them in spite of the obstacles. (S.11.32)
Marian teaches Wart and Kay about woodcraft, and how to make their way, sneaky-like, through the forest. This is one of the few examples of a woman participating in the boys' education.
Quote #3
"Well," said the Wart, "I can see why the reptiles who had given up being fishes decided to become birds. It's certainly fun."
"You are beginning to fit things together," remarked Archimedes. (S.18.18-19)
Of course, what's being referenced here is the Theory of Evolution: fishes into birds over the course of millions of years. This reference also signifies that Wart, himself, is evolving in his education.