Jean-Jacques Rousseau was one of the most significant thinkers of the 18th century and had a profound impact on the Age of Enlightenment. His writings covered several issues, such as: philosophy, education and literature. Historically, Rousseau’s ideas had a profound impact on the events of the French Revolution. As such, historians consider him to be one of the most significant voices during the Age of Enlightenment, alongside others, such as: Baron de Montesquieu, John Locke and Voltaire.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU – EARLY LIFE
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born on the 28th of June, 1712 in Geneva, Switzerland. Rousseau’s father had followed in the family tradition to become a watchmaker, but was skilled in many different areas, and even taught dance for a short period of time. His mother died shortly after his birth, and his early life was marked by instability and hardship. After various apprenticeships and wanderings through France and Italy, Rousseau moved to Paris, France, where he entered intellectual circles and developed friendships with leading philosophes such as Denis Diderot.
Rousseau was largely self-educated, and his outsider status gave him a unique perspective on society, one that was often critical of elite institutions and conventional Enlightenment thinking. In fact, he applied himself to a number of different areas of study that included mathematics, music and philosophy. With so much time spent studying he developed many of his own theories, and as he became an adult he established himself as a philosopher, writer and composer.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU – AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT
As stated above, Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s focus as a writer and thinker covered many different topics, such as: philosophy, politics, education and literature. His writings consistently centered around the conflict between individual freedom and societal structures. For instance, he often criticized the corrupting influence of civilization, and argued instead for individual freedom.
Rousseau’s thoughts and theories influenced the Age of Enlightenment across the nations of Europe, as well as influencing the development of education and political thought. Some of his best known works are: ‘Social Contract’, which he wrote in 1750 and the ‘Discourse on the Origin of Inequality’ which he wrote in 1755. Both highlight some of his major ideas on class divisions in society and the nature of human beings. Specifically, Rousseau argued against a strong central authority in society and argued against the rigid class divisions present in feudalism.
Rousseau famously wrote in ‘Social Contract’, that “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.” Rousseau believed that in a natural state humans were free, equal, and independent. They lived without the artificial constraints of law, class, or government. However, as societies developed, Rousseau argued, people lost that natural freedom. Governments, private property, and social hierarchies created inequality between people, thus also creating conflict and division in society. As such, these ‘chains’ represent the restrictions placed on human freedom by the oppression of unequal societies.
Furthermore, Rousseau also wrote extensively about education. His most famous work on this topic was ‘Emile, or On Education’, which he published in 1762. In the famous work, Rousseau laid out his educational philosophy and argued that education should develop the autonomy of the child rather than impose rigid discipline or rote learning. He emphasized learning through experience and moral development. These ideas were so profound, that they are considered central to most modern educational systems still.
As such, historians consider Rousseau to be a central figure in the Age of Enlightenment. He championed the freedom of the individual during a time when it was politically discouraged. As a result, his ideas and theories played an important role in the lives of people across Europe, and the world. For instance, Rousseau’s ideas were central to the developments of the French Revolution.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU – INFLUENCE ON THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
As mentioned above, Rousseau’s political philosophy centered on the concept of individual freedom. For instance, he advocated for the idea of direct democracy and for the importance of the will of the people. At the time, the major political system was absolute monarchy, which saw all authority in society held by the monarch (king or queen). As such, Rousseau’s ideas were a direct challenge to the traditional forms of authority in society. This was especially true in France in the late 18th century, during the events of the French Revolution. In fact, Rousseau’s ideas were frequently cited by leaders of the French Revolution, particularly the radical Jacobins like Maximilien Robespierre.
Though Rousseau died in 1778, a decade before the revolution began, his ideas were deeply supported by the revolutionaries in France. For example, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, which was written in 1789, reflected Rousseau’s belief in freedom, equality, and the people’s right to shape government. As well, his idea of the general will was used to justify revolutionary action against the tyranny of King Louis XVI. Finally, revolutionary leaders often regarded Rousseau as a philosopher of the people, whose writings supported their cause against the monarchy and aristocracy.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU – LATER LIFE AND DEATH
In his later years, Jean-Jacques Rousseau was famous for being one of the Enlightenment’s most important thinkers. However, his ideas had angered both religious authorities and some fellow philosophers. As such, this was a difficult time in his life. In fact, by the early 1760s, Rousseau had published his two most radical works: ‘Emile’ and ‘Social Contract’. ‘Emile’ was a critique of organized religion and traditional educational methods. As well, ‘Social Contract’ was a critique of monarchy. As a result, both books were banned in France and condemned by the Church. This ultimately forced Rousseau to flee Paris. He took refuge in various locations, including Switzerland and England.
Rousseau later returned to France and for the last years of his life, he withdrew from public debates, lived modestly, and continued his writing. However, Jean-Jacques Rousseau died on July 2th, 1778, at the age of 66, from a stroke. He was interred as a national hero in Paris in 1794, during the events of the French Revolution.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU – SIGNIFICANCE
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was one of the most significant philosophers during the Age of Enlightenment. In fact, he had a profound impact on a variety of issues. Politically, he helped develop the modern concept of democracy, where authority is based on the will of the people. Furthermore, his critiques of inequality and property helped shaped socialist theories. As well, historians have pointed out how his vision of the social contract influenced constitutional design in countries such as France and the United States.
