Paulo Freire (1921–1997) was a Brazilian educator and philosopher renowned for his revolutionary approach to education, emphasizing dialogue and critical consciousness. Born in Recife, he experienced poverty during the Great Depression, shaping his commitment to empowering the marginalized. Freire's seminal work, "Pedagogy of the Oppressed," critiques traditional "banking" education and advocates for a participatory model that fosters critical thinking. His methods have influenced global educational practices, particularly in adult literacy and social justice initiatives. Freire's legacy endures as a cornerstone of critical pedagogy. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulo_Freire?utm_source=openai))