Showing results by author "Jean Jacques Rousseau" in All Categories

Published in 1762, it had a profound impact on the approach to the education and upbringing of a child, through infancy, childhood, adolescence and into adulthood. This was partly fuelled by the format – for Rousseau presents before us the boy Emile, taking him through the various stages of life, and as Emile becomes a young man, introducing a female counterpart, Sophie. This device personalises what would otherwise be a more formal philosophical presentation.  

On the Social Contract's appeal and influence has been wide-ranging and continuous. It has been called an encomium to democracy and, at the same time, a blueprint for totalitarianism. Individualists, collectivists, anarchists, and socialists have all taken courage from Rousseau's controversial masterpiece.

Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains. In The Social Contract, Rousseau explores the concept of freedom and the political structures that may enable people to acquire it. He argues that the sovereign power of a state lies not in any one ruler but in the will of the general population. Rousseau argues that the ideal state would be a direct democracy where executive decision making is carried out by citizens who meet in assembly, as they would in the ancient city-state of Athens.

Dr. Johnson may have been correct in saying that “Rousseau was a very bad man,” but none can argue that his ideas are among the most influential in all of world history. It was Rousseau, the father of the romantic movement, who was responsible for introducing at least two modern day thoughts that pervade academia. The Confessions is Rousseau’s landmark autobiography. Both brilliant and flawed, it is nonetheless beautifully written and remains one of the most moving human documents in all of literature.

The Reveries of the Solitary Walker was one of the last works written by the French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) and was, in fact, not quite complete. It was published four years after his death and came quickly to be regarded as one of his most poetic works. It consists of 10 Walks (only the final ‘Walk’ was unfinished) during which he muses on a variety of topics including thoughts on issues which featured strongly in his notable life as a philosopher and commentator, including education and political philosophy.

Pour la première fois en livre audio, cette œuvre magnifique composée de l'intégrale des "Confessions", suivie des "Rêveries du Promeneur Solitaire", est admirablement servie par toute la sensibilité de Philippe Bertin. Plus de 27h d'écoute pour le plaisir du cœur et de l'esprit.

Published four years after Rousseau's death, Confessions is a remarkably frank and honest self-portrait, described by Rousseau as "the history of my soul". From his idyllic youth in the Swiss mountains, to his career as a composer in Paris and his abandonment of his children, Rousseau lays bare his entire life with preternatural honesty. 

These are the famous opening words of a treatise that has stirred vigorous debate ever since its first publication in 1762. Rejecting the view that anyone has a natural right to wield authority over others, Rousseau argues instead for a pact, or 'social contract', that should exist between all the citizens of a state and that should be the source of sovereign power. 

Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men was written in response to a competition run by the Academy of Dijon answering the prompt: What is the origin of inequality among men, and whether such inequality is authorized by natural law? Rousseau puts forth the concept of two types of inequity: natural/physical and moral/political. He focuses on moral inequality and its link to power and wealth. He also covers the areas of self-love, compassion for others, and free-agency.

„El hombre nace libre y, sin embargo, por todas partes se encuentra encadenado.“ - En El contrato social, Rousseau explora el concepto de libertad y las estructuras políticas que pueden permitir que las personas la adquieran. Argumenta que el poder soberano de un estado no reside en ningún gobernante sino en la voluntad de la población en general.

"600 Quotations from the Great French Writers of the 18th Century" features the wit and wisdom of some of the greatest French writers ever. From Montesquieu and Voltaire to Denis Diderot and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, this carefully crafted collection is an entertaining, educational and enthralling insight into the finest minds of the 18th Century. Ideal for those needing a dose of encouragement. These French literary giants are responsible for some of the worlds most famous works, including "Candide", "Discourse on Inequality" and "The Social Contract".

Take a tour through nine of the finest minds of all time, with "900 Quotations from Modern Philosophy". With words of wisdom, reflections, and observations on everything from life and love to death and hatred, and everything in between, this is a superb book for those looking for inspiring and self-questioning thoughts to gain a new perspective on our existence. A superb read for fans of modern philosophy and those who simply want something fascinating to dip in and out of.

 Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men by the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau was originally written for an essay competition run by the Dijon Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1754. The question was, "What is the origin of inequality among men, and is it authorized by the natural law?" Rousseau's text is divided into four main parts: a dedication, preface, an extended inquiry into the nature of the individual, and another inquiry into the evolution of the human species within society.  

"El hombre ha nacido libre, y sin embargo, vive en todas partes entre cadenas." Estas son las famosas palabras de apertura de un libro que no ha dejado de suscitar debates desde su primera publicación en 1762. Rousseau desaprueba que algunos hombre se sientan con el derecho natural de ejercer autoridad sobre otros, y defiende un pacto o "contrato social", que debería existir y ser la fuente del poder soberano. 

"600 Quotations from French Philosophy" is a collection of thoughts and reflections from six of the greatest French thinkers of all time. France’s influence on Western philosophy cannot be understated, from the Age of Enlightenment through to the founding of modern philosophy. Many of these quotes have as much resonance today as they did when they were first coined. Superb for dipping in and out of, there are more than a few thoughts in this book worth memorising, and even more that are sure to inspire.

Known as the "Age of Enlightenment", the 1700s were a time that provoked significant leaps in philosophical thought. Most importantly, the thinkers of the time espoused the virtues of happiness, the evidence provided by the senses, and the distance between organised religion and the state. "400 Quotations from the Philosophy of the Enlightenment" offers a fascinating insight into the philosophical revolution that was taking place during the 18th century. It is ideal for those needing an extra bit of motivation throughout their day.

As one of the most influential philosophers and thinkers of the mid-18th century, Jean-Jacques Rousseau left behind a powerful and commanding legacy which helped shape great events including the Enlightenment and the French Revolution. His ideas on humanity, civil society, and democracy have made him a leading figure in modern political and philosophical thought. Exploring two of his most famous and influential works, this collection reveals Rousseau’s timeless insights and theories, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the past and the knowledge of a time long past.

Rousseau érige dans cet ouvrage un système entier d'éducation, loin des conventions sociales et des dogmes religieux : l'Église jusqu'alors détentrice du monopole en matière d'éducation, condamne l'auteur à la prise de corps ; l'ouvrage est brûlé en place public, fustigé par ses ennemis philosophes... Un ouvrage, toujours d'actualité, loin des caricatures dont on le pare sans même parfois, l'avoir lu...

"600 Quotations from the Great 18th Century Writers" is a collection of inspiring thoughts and reflections from six of the greatest literary minds of all time. During this time, society was experiencing a cultural upheaval, with more emphasis being placed on happiness and the pursuit of knowledge. While these quotes might be over 200 years old, they bear as much relevance today as they did when they were first coined. A superb read for dipping in and out of.

Rousseau's Discourse sets out to explore the origin of inequality among people, a journey that sees him trace the evolution of humans from the savage man to the foundations of civil society. With verve and passion, the philosopher argues that the birth of private property was the "beginning of evil". Throughout the book we are led to consider the development of language, reason, self-preservation, benevolence, pity, and law - all through the lens of perhaps the most original thinker of the 18th century.