Jean-Jacques Rousseau: A Paradoxical Life of Tragedy and Triumph

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, an educational thinker and philosopher whose influence educators feel today, wrote a treatise in 1762 titled Emile or On Education where he shared his educational philosophy and ideology on the importance of a specific book, individualism, natural education, and stages of development to help students achieve self-actualization and to keep them shielded from the ills of society and others. Rousseau’s idea of a quality education differs from what most educators experience and possibly believe today. Rousseau believed that each student should have a tutor who guides or facilitates the learning in a natural environment surrounded by nature. To support the learning, Rousseau recommended that the student read one book for both enjoyment and to complement the learning process. This special book, in Rousseau’s eyes, is titled Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. The content of this book was set in a natural setting, where the student becomes the main character at the proper stage of development, and, according to Rousseau, results in the student’s interest and a quality education. Because Rousseau was very detailed in his philosophy, many curricularists since then have read and analyzed his work, which has resulted in many researchers to identify the ideology and expand on his thoughts with a focus on curriculum theory. This new knowledge has benefited students and teachers because it focuses on the learners, their interests, and their specific academic needs in contrast to a focus on standards and formal assessments. Rousseau has earned the title of an educational thinker, influencer, and thought leader in the field of education.