Educational Designs

Abstract

This article explores the education of two younger sons, Jack Clarke and Arent Furly, whose fathers were close friends of John Locke. Through detailed analysis of the surviving correspondence, it reconstructs the process by which wealthy early modern families made decisions regarding the education and careers of younger children and demonstrates the seriousness with which parents approached this task. The educational designs for Jack and Arent were part of an elaborate exchange of favors and services between friends and included travel abroad as a central element. In consultation with their friends, both fathers settled on a course that would make practical and economic sense, ensuring that the sons would be able to make a suitable living, but they also took into consideration the boys’ individual talents, desires, and tastes.