HISTORIAN OF THE HEART
(1712- 1778)
"Man is naturally good..."
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HISTORIAN OF THE HEART (1712- 1778) "Man is naturally good..." |
An omnivorous reader, but basically self-educated, Jean Jacques Rousseau's writings followed no academic school of thought and covered a wide range of subjects and genres. He invented a new form of musical notation, and as well as philosophical treatises, he wrote a novel and an opera which was received well at the court of Louis XV whose patronage Rousseau refused as inconsistent with his principles.
Rousseau is perhaps best known for his political philosophy as outlined in "The Social Contract". In this, he argues for political sovereignty of the entire citizen body over itself with government and law based on a concept of "general will". Because "general will" comes from all alike, Rousseau argues, it would tend to promote liberty and equality and inspire a sense of fraternity. These principles became the catchcry of the French Revolution and many see Rousseau's influence on the instigators of the revolution as paramount.
Rousseau's famous epigram, that "Man is born free and is everywhere in chains" derives from his central doctrine that man is naturally good but corrupted by society. The sources of corruption come from within the individual's own makeup but tend to be deepened by social pressure and competition. Rousseau's educational treatise, "Emile", envisages the possibility of a different destiny for men educated in a new way that encouraged the nurturing of man's natural virtue.
He is best known for his political treatise "The Social Contract". His political ideals inspired revolutionary leaders and the governments of Corsica and Poland to ask him to write them a constitution. Critic of contemporary society whose political ideals inspired many, whose passion for nature inspired the later Romantics.
MAJOR WORKS
