Ellen Key
The education of the child presents a thoughtful examination of modern learning through a humanistic perspective on growth and freedom. It challenges rigid teaching systems and calls for an educational philosophy that nurtures individuality rather than conformity. The work views childhood as a vital stage of discovery where emotional understanding, curiosity, and creativity must be encouraged without repression. It questions traditional authority in parenting and schooling, rejecting punishment and strict control that hinder development. Instead, it proposes guidance shaped by empathy and respect, allowing self-expression to emerge naturally. Through an emphasis on psychological awareness and ethical education, the text envisions learning as a lifelong process rooted in compassion and trust. It outlines how understanding each child’s nature leads to moral strength and inner balance. Resisting societal pressures, it promotes an environment where freedom and care coexist, enabling children to grow into thoughtful and autonomous individuals capable of shaping a kinder future.
