福澤 諭吉(ふくざわ ゆきち、1835–1901) 教育者、思想家、著述家。幕末から明治にかけて西洋の学問や制度を日本に紹介し、日本の近代化に大きな役割を果たした。1858年に蘭学塾を開き、これが後の慶應義塾へと発展した。欧米への渡航経験をもとに、教育の普及、個人の自立、実学の重要性を説き、日本の近代的な教育と啓蒙思想の礎を築いた。代表作『学問のすゝめ』(An Encouragement of Learning)は、「独立自尊」の理念を広く伝えた近代日本を代表する古典として読み継がれている。
Yukichi Fukuzawa (1835–1901) was a Japanese educator, thinker, and writer who played a central role in introducing Western learning and institutions to Japan during the late Edo and early Meiji periods. In 1858, he founded a school that later became Keio University and devoted his career to promoting practical learning, individual independence, and modern education. Through his writings and educational activities, he became one of the leading intellectual figures shaping Japan's modernization. His best-known work is "An Encouragement of Learning."