This book covers twenty-two theories of development and their implication on education. It also introduces readers to the theorists behind the theories in a lively and easily accessible manner. Comparing and contrasting the theories covered, the book focuses on theorists who follow the developmental tradition of Rousseau - such as Gesell, Piaget, and Montessori - and their belief that we grow largely from our inner promptings and spontaneous discoveries at different times throughout our lifetimes. In addition, the author looks at theorists in the environmental/learning tradition. For anyone interested in the philosophy of child rearing and education, relative to a child's growth and the growth of our society as a whole.