The book "Emile; or, on education; excerpts" by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a philosophical treatise noted for its originality and influence on pedagogical thought. The author analyzes the problems of raising and teaching children, expresses his opinion on the role of the teacher and the environment in the formation of personality. The work traces the gradual development of the main character, its indication is a certain concept of private education, as well as the idea of the naturalness of education. Rousseau emphasizes the importance of individualizing approaches to children and developing their potential, thanks to which everyone is able to develop according to their natural abilities. "Emil; or, about education; excerpts" is a work that leaves a mark on the heart and inspires further thinking about the process of education and self-improvement.