Jean-Jacques Rousseau

 Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a French writer and philosopher who emerged during the Enlightenment era. His ideas and theories on education and religion were influential and controversial. Rousseau also made contributions to music.

Born on June 28, 1712, in Geneva, Rousseau came from a French family that had migrated to and settled in Geneva. His mother died just nine days after his birth, and his father abandoned him when he was ten years old. However, his uncle took care of him.

Rousseau learned engraving from an engraver named De Couvin, who treated him poorly, like a slave. Despite this harsh treatment, Rousseau remained passionate about reading, continuously reading books wherever he could.

In 1628, Rousseau arrived in southeastern France (Annecy) and met the French Catholic Baroness Françoise, who sent him to a Catholic school. Rousseau earned money through music, teaching, and secretarial work. He became well-versed in dramatic arts and Latin.

In 1742, Rousseau moved to France, aspiring to become a composer and musician. He presented a new system of musical notation to the French Academy of Sciences, but his proposal was rejected. However, Rousseau continued his love for music. His famous musical work, "Le devin du village," was presented to King Louis XV in 1752. He also became secretary to the French ambassador in Venice for 11 months.

Rousseau faced attacks due to his religious books, which were banned in both Geneva and France. He fled multiple times and sought refuge with philosopher David Hume in England. However, he later developed delusions about conspiracies against him, believing Hume was involved. Rousseau returned to France in 1767 under an alias. Three years later, he was allowed to enter France on the condition that he wouldn't publish any of his books. Nevertheless, he began writing his confessions, which were stopped by the police and only appeared after his death.

Rousseau's views appeared in many of his works. Some of his key opinions include:

1. He opposed people exercising sovereignty through representative assemblies or agents, stating that people should make laws directly.

2. He strongly criticized private property.

3. He believed that the government should ensure equality and freedoms for all people in the state, regardless of majority opinion or will.

4. In his book "Emile," he emphasized the importance of teaching children how to live correctly and learning through experience.

5. He had views on educating women, advocating for their education to rule rather than be ruled.

6. He opposed those who wanted to keep young people away from love, viewing it as a crime. He believed that youth's nature would inspire them, not misleading lessons.

7. Rousseau adopted some views on civilization and science, believing that civilization wasn't necessarily better than a simple life. He also discussed how people are exposed to various forms of corruption in advanced urban society.

Some of Rousseau's famous quotes include:

• "Who among us wishes to live forever? Death is a blessing, a cure for the disease we cause by refusing to suffer constantly."

• "When I see injustice in this world, I console myself by thinking that there's a hell waiting for the unjust."

• "What pains me when I slip is knowing I was capable of standing firm."

• "Women live to be happy in love... Men love to be happy in life."

• "Man is the creation of woman. If you want great men, you must educate women on what greatness of soul and virtue are."

• "Men live better lives without women, but women cannot live better lives without men."

After Rousseau's health declined, he retreated to the countryside for rest. He accepted an invitation from his ardent admirer, Marquis Girardin, who hosted him in his castle and frequently took him on rural excursions. During this time, Rousseau gave botany lessons to the Marquis's son.

One day, Rousseau went out to collect herbs as usual but felt chest tightness after consuming milk and coffee. He collapsed and died on the spot. News of Rousseau's death spread quickly, leading to rumors of suicide or murder, though these were never substantiated.