The Comparative Study between Nima Yushij's Letters and Jean-Jacques Rousseau’ Emile

Nima Yushij (1276-1338) is one of the most famous and influential contemporary poets. In addition to the poem and literary works, Nima Yushij has also a collection of letters containing Nima's comments on various topics. One of the important issues found in the Nima’s letter series is the educational issues. Nima, who has taught for several years, is closely acquainted with the issues and problems of this field and has criticized many of the country's educational systems, including poor school conditions, weaknesses in textbook writing, teachers' lack of motivation, etc. Nima appeared to have been influenced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1778-1778), a French author and philosopher, and especially his "Emile", in expressing some of his educational ideas. Nima, like Rousseau, prefers the nature and the countryside to the city life and believes that children should be raised as much as possible in nature and away from the city, and the most important childhood education is physical education and stimulation of curiosity. The aim of this study is to analyze Nima’s ideas in his letters concerning education and how he was affected by Jean Jacques Rousseau, especially his Emile.