Rousseau: The Life and Thought of a Revolutionary

Introduction

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a Swiss philosopher, writer, and composer who lived in the 18th century. He is considered one of the most influential thinkers of the Enlightenment, and his ideas had a profound impact on the development of modern political thought.

In this comprehensive biography, Roberto Gatti provides a detailed account of Rousseau's life and work. Gatti draws on a wide range of sources, including Rousseau's own writings, correspondence, and the accounts of his contemporaries. He also provides a critical analysis of Rousseau's ideas, and he explores their influence on subsequent generations of thinkers.

Rousseau's Early Life

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1712. His father was a watchmaker, and his mother died when he was just a child. Rousseau was raised by his father and a stepmother, and he had a difficult childhood. He was often ill, and he was not particularly successful in school.

However, Rousseau showed a talent for writing at an early age. He began writing poetry and plays in his teens, and he also developed an interest in music. In 1728, he left Geneva to pursue a career as a musician.

Rousseau's Travels

Rousseau spent the next few years traveling throughout Europe. He visited France, Italy, and England, and he met many of the leading intellectuals of the day. He was particularly influenced by the ideas of the French philosopher Voltaire.

In 1742, Rousseau returned to Geneva and published his first major work, "A Discourse on the Arts and Sciences." In this work, Rousseau argued that the arts and sciences had corrupted human society. He believed that people were naturally good, but that they had been corrupted by the artificiality of civilization.

Rousseau's Political Thought

Rousseau's political thought is set out in his most famous work, "The Social Contract." In this work, Rousseau argued that the only legitimate form of government is one that is based on the consent of the governed. He believed that people should be free to choose their own leaders, and that they should have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.

Rousseau's political thought had a profound impact on the development of democracy. His ideas inspired the French Revolution, and they continue to influence political thought today.

Rousseau's Later Life

Rousseau spent the last years of his life in France. He continued to write, and he published several more works, including "Emile" and "The Confessions." He also composed music, and he wrote several operas.

Rousseau died in 1778 at the age of 66. He is considered one of the most important thinkers of the Enlightenment, and his ideas continue to influence political thought today.

Conclusion

Roberto Gatti's biography of Rousseau is a comprehensive and well-written account of the life and thought of this influential philosopher. Gatti provides a detailed account of Rousseau's life, and he offers a critical analysis of his ideas. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of political thought.

Why You Should Read This Book

If you are interested in the history of political thought, then you should read this book. Rousseau was one of the most influential thinkers of the Enlightenment, and his ideas had a profound impact on the development of democracy. This book provides a comprehensive and well-written account of Rousseau's life and thought, and it is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the origins of modern political thought.