A lifetime-long existential quest: the events and discoveries of professor M.I. Rozhkov

In this article, the author analyzes the theoretical and methodological ideas of a prominent Russian scientist, Honored Scientist of Russia, twice Laureate of the Russian Government Prize in Education, Laureate of the Lenin Komsomol Prize, Professor M.I. Rozhkov. The author talks about his student years, the talented researcher's path to science, his mentors and associates, and reflects on his contribution to the development of pedagogical science. The author of the article shows the origins of the researcher's personality, the evolution of his ideas, and the most important areas of his scientific research. Analyzing the extensive theoretical legacy of Professor M.I. Rozhkov, the author of the article identifies several major, fundamental areas in his scientific work: the development of ideas about pedagogical support for working with youth, the development of democratic foundations of civil society by young people; the development of theoretical and methodological foundations for the content and organization of educational work at school; Understanding and analyzing contemporary socio-pedagogical problems, complexities, and contradictions of the socialization of children and youth in contemporary Russian society; enriching the theory and methodology of supplementary education for children and youth, and understanding of pedagogical support for the creative development of individuals; developing theoretical concepts of an existential approach in pedagogy and the development of a free individual. Particular attention is paid to the substantiation and development of the existential approach in pedagogy by M.I. Rozhkov, its essence, and the prerequisites for its implementation in the modern education system. The article emphasizes M.I. Rozhkov's interpretation of the essence of nurturing a free individual as the target function of modern education.