Francisco Giner de los Ríos (1839-1915) was a prominent Spanish educator and philosopher known for his role in the Institución Libre de Enseñanza, an innovative educational institution founded in 1876. He advocated for a secular and progressive approach to education, emphasizing critical thinking and creativity over rote memorization. Giner de los Ríos was influenced by the ideas of the European Enlightenment and sought to reform the Spanish education system. His work laid the foundation for modern educational practices in Spain, promoting values such as freedom, tolerance, and scientific inquiry, which continue to resonate in contemporary education.