Emile, Or, Concerning Education

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Rousseau's philosophies emphasize the inherent goodness of humans and critique the corrupting influence of society. In his 1762 work, "Émile," he introduces an imaginary student to advocate for "negative education," which promotes learning in alignment with a child's natural development. By rejecting authoritative teaching methods, Rousseau encourages mothers to nurture children's instincts without overindulgence. Though controversial at its release, this approach significantly influenced educational reforms during the French Revolution, establishing Rousseau as a pivotal figure in modern education.