logo

49 pages 1 hour read

Emile: On Education

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1763

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Emile: On Education

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1763
Book Details
Pages

501

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1760s

Publication Year

1763

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Published in 1762, Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Emile: On Education presents a revolutionary approach to child rearing, arguing that children should learn according to their developmental stages and that society often corrupts their natural growth. Through the fictional student Emile's experiences, Rousseau illustrates his belief in the importance of nature as the best teacher and the need for children to explore the world freely.

Informative

Contemplative

Inspirational

Challenging

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

5.0

1 ratings

100%

Loved it

0%

Mixed feelings

0%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Emile: On Education by Jean-Jacques Rousseau presents visionary ideas on child-rearing and education, emphasizing natural learning and development. Praised for its innovative approach, it has influenced educational philosophy significantly. However, some find its ideas impractical and dated for modern times. A thought-provoking read that sparks debate.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Emile: On Education?

Readers who would enjoy Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Emile: On Education are those with an interest in educational philosophy, child development, or Enlightenment thought. Comparable to John Locke’s Some Thoughts Concerning Education and Maria Montessori’s The Montessori Method, these readers value progressive and naturalistic educational theories.

5.0

1 ratings

100%

Loved it

0%

Mixed feelings

0%

Not a fan

Character List

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

The author who appears as the boy Emile's tutor, guiding his education from infancy into manhood, and whose philosophical ideas shape the narrative.

A guiding figure who takes an oath to educate Emile, emphasizing self-reliance and curiosity through lessons from the natural world, and navigates him through societal challenges.

A boy who undergoes a Rousseau-guided educational journey, learning from nature to grow into an independent, self-sufficient man.

A fictional character inspired by a real person, depicted as Emile's ideal partner, with whom he builds a meaningful and balanced relationship.

A priest who influences Rousseau with his creed based on reason and self-reliance, forming part of the foundation for Rousseau’s educational theories.

A typical child of high birth tasked with scholarly studies, whose formal education leaves him with little practical knowledge or understanding of the natural and social world.

Book Details
Pages

501

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1760s

Publication Year

1763

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.