In constant conflict with his contemporaries, J.-J. Rousseau forged a philosophy connected with the great social, cultural, and ideological currents of his time, the Age of Enlightenment, a political thought and writing that would later exert a profound influence. In "Emile," described by his scholars as a "key work for our culture," he presents his views on education. His pedagogy is founded on two major principles: the removal of the child from the detrimental influence of society and the development of freedom. The richness, theoretical interest, and invigorating role of this text today make it essential not only for educators, sociologists, and philosophers but also for every thinking person. [Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]