John Dewey reshaped global thinking about the purpose of education—and, by extension, how we develop people at every stage of life. In Democracy and Education (1916), he challenged the traditional “command and control” classroom where teachers lecture and students comply. Instead, he championed learning through real experience: designing, building, experimenting, creating, collaborating.

Dewey believed that democratic education isn’t just about knowledge transfer—it’s about cultivating curious, capable, socially responsible humans. In today’s language, he was arguing for experiential learning, human-centered design, and cultures that empower people to think, question, and contribute meaningfully.

This updated edition brings Dewey’s insights into modern debates that talent and learning leaders wrestle with every day: standards and assessments, accountability, inclusion, learner autonomy, the role of technology, and the connection between environment and performance. Each chapter includes a short, clear overview that translates Dewey’s argument into contemporary relevance—plus reflective questions designed to spark dialogue, exploration, and practical application.

Drawing on more than a century of scholarship, this edition positions Democracy and Education as an essential resource for anyone shaping learning systems—whether classrooms, leadership programs, or enterprise-wide cultures of development. Dewey’s core message endures: if we want people who can thrive in a dynamic, interconnected world, we must create learning experiences that mirror the world we want them to help build.