Who is the first person who comes to mind when speaking of the Enlightenment Era? In the case of many, one very prominent figure, comes to mind, by the name of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. A fellow French philosopher, writer, and composer, Rousseau surely does catch the attention of many with his extravagant occupations and ideas. Influenced by earlier philosophers such as Voltaire and John Locke, Rousseau expressed his voice in various subjects, ranging from human rights to the idea of society corrupting man. For this reason, Rousseau would soon generate a fan base and an influence through the subjects he openly spoke about. In the end, Rousseau had ultimately left a legacy behind, an influence, and the works that brought him his recognition in the first place. There comes a day for every human being where you first open your eyes and is introduce to a world filled with prosperity and brilliance, as for Jean-Jacques Rousseau that would be on June 28, 1712, in Geneva, Switzerland. The story of Jean-Jacques Rousseau first starts with the absence of his father and the death of his mother, Rousseau was then adopted by an uncle, where he began the trade of engraving. As time flew by, Rousseau would dabble with his love life, the first relationship being with a catholic woman by the name of Louise de Warens, and would become his influence to convert to Catholicism. Most importantly, during his time with Mme. De Warens, Rousseau had embarked on a journey as a musician, teacher and music copyist, key factors in his later life. With his newfound occupations, Rousseau had soon received the opportunity to greet many prominent Enlightenment figures such as Condillac, D’ Alembert and Denis Diderot; whom he later collaborated with on their most known work, “Encyclopedie.”. And thus, Rousseau had obtained a job with the likes of Denis Diderot and D’ Alembert, and the opportunity to maintain his studies with music while contributing to the “Encyclopédie.” With the addition of his new acquaintances and rising fame, Rousseau would continue with his life publishing writings that had gifted him recognition unlike ever before, for example: In 1750, Rousseau had published “Discourse on the Arts and Sciences,” that vastly increased his early fame; In 1761, Rousseau had published the novel “Julie or the New Heloise,” that became a best-selling; In 1762, a year later, Rousseau had published 2 important treatises, by the names of “The Social Contract” and “Emile;” And most importantly, in 1764, Rousseau had begun the process of his best and most known writing/autobiography, “Confession.” However, at the time of the publication of “Discourse on Inequality” in 1755, due to disputes with many of his acquaintances, Rousseau was forced to migrate back and forth through cities and countries; For example, Rousseau had traveled (during this time) to France, Switzerland, England, and later to return to France where he kept quiet till his senior years. Nonetheless, through Rousseau’s publications, he was capable of expressing his opinions, whether his intentions were to criticize or be of aid to the various subjects he felt sincere for. For instance, I personally believe his strongest arguments lie within his political philosophy, most of which, were Counter-Enlightenment. To clarify, a Counter-Enlightenment thinker is someone who disagrees that arts and sciences contribute to morality and virtue, hence, why he published a book titled “Discourse on the Arts and Sciences.” Through the publication of “Discourse on the Arts and Sciences,” Rousseau retaliates and states 2 main arguments: the first being, that the arts and sciences, in fact, are gaining popularity and thus casting a shadow on more important matters; and second being, that the arts and sciences exist purely of our own behaviors and brings harm to those societies who base their foundation around such idea, quoting “Astronomy was born from superstition; eloquence of ambition, hatred, falsehood and flattery; geometry of avarice; physics of an idle curiosity; and even moral
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Thus the arts and sciences owe their birth to our vices.” On the contrary, Rousseau’s political belief stands with the idea that a state must be ruled by the “general will” of its citizens. A prime
Thus the arts and sciences owe their birth to our vices.” On the contrary, Rousseau’s political belief stands with the idea that a state must be ruled by the “general will” of its citizens. A prime