Jan Ligthart

Jan Ligthart
Picture of bearded man while reading a book
Jan Ligthart in Sweden in 1916
Born(1859-01-11)11 January 1859
Died16 February 1916(1916-02-16) (aged 57)
NationalityDutch
Occupation(s)Teacher and philosopher
SpouseMarie Cachet
Parent(s)Cornelis Ligthart
Anna van Spall
RelativesJuliana of the Netherlands (student)

Jan Ligthart (11 January 1859 - 16 February 1916) was a Dutch teacher and philosopher. He became known for his innovative educational methods and the modernisation of the Dutch education system. He wrote many articles and books about education.

Biography

[edit]

Jan Ligthart was born on 11 January 1859 in Amsterdam, in the Jordaan district. His father Cornelis Ligthart, was a carpenter and grocer, who suffered from epileptic seizures. His mother Anna van Spall, daughter of a pastor, came from Klundert. Both of his parents died during his childhood. Ligthart graduated from the Reformed Christian college of Bloemgracht. Afterwards he worked in several schools as a teacher. In 1886, he married Marie Cachet, with whom he had three children, two daughters and one son. Due to his illnesses he was put in a sanatorium. On 16 February 1916 he died after falling in a canal and drowning.

[edit]