In 1762, Jean-Jacques Rousseau published 'Emile, or On Education,' a seminal work that articulated a philosophy of natural education. Rousseau argued that children are inherently good and should learn through direct experiences with nature rather than through societal constraints. His ideas significantly influenced educational theory and practice, advocating for a child-centered approach that emphasized the importance of individual development and the cultivation of moral character.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau's 'Emile, or On Education' transformed the literary portrayal of childhood and nature, inspiring the Romantic movement's celebration of innocence. Poets like William Wordsworth drew from Rousseau's ideas, emphasizing the importance of personal experience and the natural world in their works.