John Holt was an American educator and author, best known for his advocacy of unschooling and child-led learning. He believed that traditional schooling often stifled children's natural curiosity and creativity. Holt's ideas challenged conventional educational practices and emphasized the importance of allowing children to learn at their own pace. Holt wrote several influential books, including How Children Fail and How Children Learn, which explored the ways children acquire knowledge. His work laid the foundation for the modern homeschooling movement and inspired many parents and educators to rethink their approaches to teaching and learning.