Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778)

Rousseau influenced democratic thought, Romanticism, and even modern psychology. His idea that the “will of the people” is sacred lives on in democracies today.

“Man’s greatest enemy is man himself.” – Rousseau

QUOTES

Man is born free

1. “Man is born free, but everywhere in chains.”
– The Social Contract (1762)
→ One of the most famous quotes from the Enlightenment, expressing his critique of social oppression.

Living is not enough

Living is not enough – you must have freedom, sun and a little flower.”
→ Often attributed to Rousseau (in the same spirit as his view of nature), although the wording may vary.

The right of the strongest

The right of the strongest is no right.”
– The Social Contract
→ Critique of power as justification.

The child

The child has his own way of seeing, thinking, and feeling; there is nothing more foolish than trying to replace it with ours.”
– Émile, or on Education
→ The Foundations of Modern Child Pedagogy.

A short presentation

Here is a brief overview of Jean-Jacques Rousseau:Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778)Swiss-French philosopher, writer, and composer – one of the most influential thinkers of the Enlightenment.Core ideas:•

🧠 Human nature:Man is basically good, but is corrupted by society.•

📜 The Social Contract (1762):“Man is born free, but is everywhere in chains.”He proposes a society based on the will of the people – “la volonté générale” (the general will).•

🧒 Child rearing (Émile, 1762):Children should develop freely and in step with their nature, not be shaped by artificial norms.•

🎵 Music and aesthetics:Defended folk music and emotions against the rational aesthetics of contemporary classical composers.

Significance:• Influenced the French Revolution, modern democracy, and pedagogy.

• Precursor to Romanticism: emphasis on emotions, nature, and individuality.

Notable works:• Émile, or On Education (1762)• The Social Contract (1762)• Confessions (posthumous)• Discourse on Inequality (1755)

WHERE HE LIVED

Jean-Jacques Rousseau lived in several places during his life, often fleeing persecution for his radical ideas. Here are some of the most important places he lived:

🏠 Important residences in Rousseau's life:
1. Geneva, Switzerland (born 1712):
– His birthplace. He was born a citizen of the Republic of Geneva.
2. Turin, Italy:
– Converted to Catholicism as a young man and lived briefly in Italy.
3. Paris, France:
– Moved here in 1742. Became known in the Enlightenment community with Diderot, Voltaire and others.
4. Montmorency (near Paris):
– Important writing period (1756–1762). Here he wrote, among others, Émile and The Social Contract.
5. Switzerland (Môtiers, Neuchâtel, 1762–1765):
– Fled after Émile was excommunicated in France. Also met resistance in Switzerland.
6. England (1766–1767):
– Accepted invitation from David Hume. Lived in Wootton, but relations with Hume soured.
7. Returned to France (1767–1778):
– Lived in hiding for periods. Eventually received permission to return to Paris.
8. Ermenonville, France (died 1778):
– Spent his last months with the Marquis de Girardin, and died here.

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