What does Rousseau's educational philosophy emphasize about human development?

Rousseau's educational philosophy, particularly as articulated in his work "Emile, or On Education," emphasizes that human development is a universal process that all individuals go through, albeit in different ways based on their individual experiences and circumstances. Rousseau argued that education should be aligned with the natural development of children, recognizing that all humans share similar developmental stages and needs. This perspective highlights the importance of nurturing the innate goodness and potential within each child, suggesting that educational methods should cater to shared human characteristics while also being sensitive to the unique context of each learner. The idea that development is common to all humans allows for an understanding of childhood that transcends individual differences.