The Biography of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), who was a French philosopher, writer, and composer famous for his contributions to political philosophy and his ideas about the natural state of humanity.
Personal struggles and contradictions marked his life, but his work would profoundly impact the Enlightenment and subsequent movements.
Read Also: The Biography of Rene Descartes
Early Life and Education of Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Rousseau was born in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1712, the youngest of five children.
His mother died shortly after his birth, and his father absconded, leaving him in the care of his uncle.
Rousseau’s uncle was a Calvinist pastor, and Rousseau was raised in a devoutly religious household.
As a child, Rousseau was an avid reader and spent much time exploring the outdoors.
He was largely self-taught and had a difficult time in formal education. He was expelled from school at the age of 12, and he later apprenticed as an engraver.
Literary Career
Rousseau moved to Paris in 1742 to chase his career as a writer and composer.
He quickly became involved in the city’s intellectual circles and began publishing articles and essays on many topics, including music, politics, and education.
His first major work was the “Discourse on the Arts and Sciences” (1750), in which he argued that civilization and progress had corrupted human nature.
He went on to publish several other influential works, including “Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men” (1755) and “The Social Contract” (1762).
Political Philosophy
Rousseau’s political philosophy was based on the idea of the “general will,” which he believed was the trustworthy source of sovereignty in a society.
He argued that individuals should give up some rights and freedoms to the state for the greater good of the-community.
He believed true democracy could only exist in a society where individuals could express their opinions and participate in government.
His ideas about the importance of the general will and the need for democratic participation would influence the American and French Revolutions.
Read Also: The Biography of Antony Van Leeuwenhoek
Personal Life and Contradictions
Despite his philosophical ideas about the importance of freedom and individuality, Rousseau had a difficult personal life marked by contradictions.
He had several affairs throughout his life, including a tumultuous relationship with the writer and philosopher Madame de Warens.
He also had a challenging relationship with his children, several of whom were sent to orphanages or given up for adoption.
Rousseau wrote extensively about his failings as a parent, and his shortcomings largely inspired his works on education.
Legacy of Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Rousseau’s contributions to political philosophy and his ideas about the natural state of humanity profoundly impacted subsequent movements, including Romanticism and socialism.
His ideas about the importance of the general will and the need for democratic participation continue to influence political theory today.
Despite his contradictions, Rousseau’s work has been celebrated for its honesty and its exploration of the complexities of human nature.
His life and ideas remain fascinating and debated among scholars and readers today.
Read Also: The Biography of Robert Plant
RELATED POST
The Biography of Joseph Lister
The Biography of Alexander
Biography of John Calvin
The Biography of Robert Plant
The Biography of Asoka