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The Social Contract, a Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, And a Discourse on Political Economy, written by legendary author Jean-Jacques Rousseau, are widely considered to be among the greatest classic texts of all time. These great classics will surely attract a whole new generation of readers. For many, The Social Contract, a Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, And a Discourse on Political Economy are required reading for various courses and curriculums. And for others who simply enjoy reading timeless pieces of classic literature, these gems by Jean-Jacques Rousseau are highly recommended. Published by Classic Books International and beautifully produced, The Social Contract, a Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, And a Discourse on Political Economy would make an ideal gift and it should be a part of everyone's personal library. ... Read more

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Essential Philosophy
This book collects the three most important political writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau:Discourse on Inequality, Discourse on Political Economy, and On Social Contract. Rousseau is one of the most original and influential philosophers, having a profound effect on everyone and everything from the French Revolution - and, depending on whom you ask, the American - to Marx to Tolstoy. His range was literally encyclopedic, but he is probably best remembered for political writings. Anyone looking to get a good overview of these will do well to start here, as this basically has all of his strictly political work, but anyone wanting a wider overview must look elsewhere.

Discourse on Inequality is one of the most shockingly original writings in the history of thought - so original Samuel Johnson famously argued Rousseau could not have been serious, and many, including admirers, have agreed. Its argument that people are born free and pure only to be corrupted by society flies in the proverbial face not only of philosophy but of civilization itself. It was all the more shocking during the Enlightenment, when society, not least via Rousseau's many fellow philosophers, was more self-congratulatory than ever. His depiction of our fall from grace is spellbinding and hard to put down; those who think philosophy is dry and boring will truly be surprised.

Discourse on Political Economy essentially takes the next step of asking how we can legitimize and improve such a corrupt society. It does not have easy answers but does reject the seemingly obvious one that we return to a primitive state; Rousseau has often been charged with this, but he actually explicitly denies it. This Discourse is far less original but has several salient points and is well-written. It is an important contribution to the question that has dominated Western thought since at least Plato and essential reading for anyone with even the slightest interest in it.

On Social Contract is now considered Rousseau's most important work, and it is easy to see why. He of course did not invent the social contract; Thomas Hobbes' 1651 Leviathan is generally considered its foundation, but elements are visible at least as far back as Plato. It had dominated Western political thought since Hobbes, though, and Rousseau's contribution is one of the most important. He looks at the question more thoroughly and systematically than anyone since Hobbes and, though he admired the latter, comes to almost the opposite conclusion. His arguments for a social contract are strong - nay, near-undeniable - but, more importantly and unlike many, he actually goes into how to implement one in considerable detail. The work is again remarkable for being very well-written. As it is significantly longer than the Discourses, the quality is not as uniform; several chapters, especially those on the Roman republic, are more or less tangential, and there are other weak spots. That said, the vast majority is extremely engaging and generally lucid. One can come away from On Social Contract with an almost spiritually intense belief in its central tenets, and many have; Poland and Corsica both asked Rousseau to propose a constitution, and the French Revolution may well not have happened without him. The book was enormously influential throughout the twentieth century and continues to be. Unfortunately, though, the vaguest parts are precisely those that are the most specific about how Rousseau's social contract can be actualized. His infamous claim that we must be "forced to be free" has long been controversial, as have related statements about the General Will's infallibility, absolute sovereignty, anti-monarchialism, and religion. They are near-paradoxical at times and open to a wide interpretation variety. This is how Rousseau has been able to influence people at opposite ends of the political spectrum. He has been credited or blamed - depending on point of view - for everything from the French Revolution to Hitler and Stalin. His philosophical ties to these last have been near-definitively refuted in recent decades, but the book is such we can see how such misconceptions arose. Near-insurmountable pessimism about his own ideals, including his famous statement that only gods would be fit for a democracy, has also frustrated even his strongest admirers. As with all important controversial books, the key is to form one's own conclusions. Few seminal works have greater potential for viable individual interpretation and general applicability.

This gets to the crux of reading Rousseau; he probably invokes the greatest reaction disparity of all philosophers. One almost literally either loves or hates him. Many have idolized and based their whole lives and philosophies on him; at least as many have done the opposite. Those who value originality and writing qualities like general lucidity and conciseness will likely love Rousseau, as he here excels nearly all philosophers and even many literary writers. However, empiricists and others who value truth and facts above all, as well as those who are eminently practical, may well loathe him. Discourse on Inequality's infamous statement that it will ignore facts because they have no bearing on the issue has appalled many ever since publication. Even so, Rousseau's importance and influence are such that anyone seriously interested in philosophy or political thought must read him. Not everyone will agree, but he has been at least as valuable to dissenters as to advocates, however differently.

In sum, those wanting an essential overview of Rousseau's political writings will be interested in this.
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Awfully done
This book shouldn't be sold to people. It's printed badly, it has weird headers at the top of every page, it's oddly sized and terribly done. Shoddy job all around. ... Read more

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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

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simple genius
i read this briskly for my childhood psychology class decades ago.i reread it this week.the author discusses his plentiful observations on raising a child.while some suggestions are really common sense / It is exciting to note how his observations formulated later child and developmental and educational theorists.As a psychologist AND as a dad / this is an essential resource and ought to be read by anyone who studies childhood or works professionally with children and parents.It is unduly wordy as is typical of the era.I give it a solid A and highly recommend it. ... Read more

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Widely regarded as the first modern autobiography, "The Confessions" is an astonishing work of acute psychological insight. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-78) argued passionately against the inequality he believed to be intrinsic to civilized society. In his "Confessions" he relives the first fifty-three years of his radical life with vivid immediacy - from his earliest years, where we can see the source of his belief in the innocence of childhood, through the development of his philosophical and political ideas, his struggle against the French authorities and exile from France following the publication of "Emile". Depicting a life of adventure, persecution, paranoia, and brilliant achievement, "The Confessions" is a landmark work by one of the greatest thinkers of the Enlightenment, which was a direct influence upon the work of Proust, Goethe and Tolstoy among others. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Portrait of the soul's interior monologue
This book is a revelation as it seemed to me a portrait, or perhaps a mask, of the heightened sensibilities of the interior monologue of a genius. "Since my name is certain to live on among men, I do not want the reputation it transmits to be a false one." Indeed, his honesty is remarkable as he writes about the abandonment of his children, his relationship with lovers and his intimate proclivities. Rousseau's life was a fascinating study of an extraordinary and innovative mind. He dined "sometime with princes at noon and supped with peasants at night." Musically self-taught, he invented an alphabetical code for writing music and wrote an opera performed with it in "The Village Soothsayer." His "Social Contract" inspired constitutions in nations struggling with revolution against monarchies to become democracies which earned him threats of sedition and cruel acts of political scorn. His books were burned, the church sought to excommunicate him, his house was stoned and he escaped in exile en route to Berlin through the good graces of philosopher David Hume to England toward the end of his life. At times, often enough, he seems the narcissist subtly engrossed in his many virtues masked in false humility and yet the final, lasting impression is of a masterpiece forged from the crucible of a tormented soul bent upon the diligent and inspired study of the journey of the maturing human heart. Like Voltaire toward the end of his life but before his exile, we find Rousseau living on a lake isle longing only to finish his life in the practice of avid gardening and intellectual pursuits. The translation here by Angela Scholar is richly, gorgeous prose which reminded me of Proust, who I'm confident must have been influenced by Rousseau. This book is, as Rousseau described it, the "most secret history of my soul" and ranks highly on my Top 25 Novels of All Time among the holy literary trinity of France's Proust in "The Remembrance of Lost Time" and Balzac's "Lost Illusions." I really can't urge you strongly enough to carve out the time to read this brilliantly conceived autobiography.

A Master of Passion
Rousseau claims that he may have the most intense passions, feelings and sentiments of any man to have ever lived. After you read this book, it is tempting to believe him.

Rousseau claims that his goal is to portray a man honestly with all his virtue and all his vice. While he doctors the facts, Rousseau leaves the reader with the most complete understanding of human sentiment possible. The book adheres to Rousseau's philosophy that humans are controlled by their passions rather than by reason. To prove this point Rousseau articulately describes the feelings and passions that he has felt throughout his life and what they caused him to do.

Rousseau is a master of rhetoric. He describes the passions and sentiments commone to all people in vivid language that will leave you both laughing and longing. You want to experience life as Rousseau experienced it--no thoughts just the pure sentiment of every moment. Rousseau is not honest about the events of his life, but he is honest about his feelings. And he expresses these feelings with the art of an excellent writer. This book is required reading for any romantic, any philosopher, and any lover of great literature. No matter your interests, I guarantee that several of Rousseau's well-turned stories of passion will stick with you.

A Must Read
When I began reading this book, I immediately realized that this was no ordinary book.Though I am relatively young, I had the feeling that this may be the most important book I will ever read.And it was.After reading this, I picked up his philosophy and was filled with indignation and remorse that I had never even heard of this man (and I am a English Graduate!).I suspect his philosophy is too passionate and subversive for a school curiculum, but nevertheless to deprive children of this knowledge is horrible.I was amazed when I questioned my professors and found that THEY have little to no knowledge of Rousseau.But I suppose I should not really be surprised.The Confessions is filled with so many memorable incidents of Rousseau's life.You really feel like you know the man.I found the first book, detailing his early years, infinitly more enjoyable than the second book, but this is how it must be.He admits that he himself enjoyed with pleasure writing the first book, but found the second much more grueling and difficult, because of the tragic quality of it all.In a word, your life will be immeasurably richer if you allow this charming individual in, and it is easier than you think.

Modern Prototype
Rousseau's 'Confessions' is a rarely intimate reflection of a classical philosopher's life and observations. The Confessions is also a sort of aesthetic precursor to Flaubert and Proust, a kind of interior amalgam of social reflection. Rousseau lived as exciting a life as practically anyone-he was friendly with the giants of his era, Voltaire, Diderot, D'lambert. He was also a bitter and paranoid provocateur who split with these figures as well as the enlightenment project as a whole. I honestly found sections of this text hard going, but I find it fascinating for its preoccupation with the text itself. Rousseau indicates that his life had been meaningless until he had begun writing his 'Confessions,' an admission of the centralityof this project to his life as a whole. Rousseau remains an admirable thinker for his clarity and honesty. Although he was pretty insane by the time he wrote the 'Confessions,' it remains a wildly entertaining and illuminating entry into the mind of one of our greatest minds.

Amazing mind in amazing times
I teach an acting class and as part of it I try to introduce students to great mindsand lives of the past they are probably unaware of having been educated in American in the 20th Century.One way I do this is through first person texts.What did that man experience?What did he think?What was his life?Not as told from a biographer but from the man himself.Rousseau's ideas on man, and freedom, and government framed thinking in the Enlightenment that in turn became an element of the American model of freedom.How did he get the way he was?Being raised without a father?Having health problems that made him embarrassed to be around women and society.All interesting from an historical, a philosophical, and human perspective. ... Read more

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Revolutionary in its own time and controversial to this day, this work is a permanent classic of political theory and a key source of democratic belief.Rousseau's concepts of "the general will" as a mode of self-interest uniting for a common good, and the submission of the individual to government by contract inform the heart of democracy, and stand as its most contentious components today. Also included in this edition is Rousseau's Discourse on Political Economy", a key transitional work between his Discourse on Inequality and The Social Contract. This new translation offers fresh insight into a cornerstone of political thought, which is further illuminated by a comprehensive introduction and notes. ... Read more

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Essential Philosophy
This book collects the two most important political writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau:Discourse on Political Economy and On Social Contract. Rousseau is one of the most original and influential philosophers, having a profound effect on everyone and everything from the French Revolution - and, depending on whom you ask, the American - to Marx to Tolstoy. His range was literally encyclopedic, but he is probably best remembered for political writings. Anyone looking to get a good overview of these will do well to start here, as this basically has all of his strictly political work, but anyone wanting a wider overview must look elsewhere.

Discourse on Political Economy essentially takes the next step of asking how we can legitimize and improve such a corrupt society. It does not have easy answers but does reject the seemingly obvious one that we return to a primitive state; Rousseau has often been charged with this, but he actually explicitly denies it. This Discourse is far less original but has several salient points and is well-written. It is an important contribution to the question that has dominated Western thought since at least Plato and essential reading for anyone with even the slightest interest in it.

On Social Contract is now considered Rousseau's most important work, and it is easy to see why. He of course did not invent the social contract; Thomas Hobbes' 1651 Leviathan is generally considered its foundation, but elements are visible at least as far back as Plato. It had dominated Western political thought since Hobbes, though, and Rousseau's contribution is one of the most important. He looks at the question more thoroughly and systematically than anyone since Hobbes and, though he admired the latter, comes to almost the opposite conclusion. His arguments for a social contract are strong - nay, near-undeniable - but, more importantly and unlike many, he actually goes into how to implement one in considerable detail. The work is again remarkable for being very well-written. As it is significantly longer than the Discourses, the quality is not as uniform; several chapters, especially those on the Roman republic, are more or less tangential, and there are other weak spots. That said, the vast majority is extremely engaging and generally lucid. One can come away from On Social Contract with an almost spiritually intense belief in its central tenets, and many have; Poland and Corsica both asked Rousseau to propose a constitution, and the French Revolution may well not have happened without him. The book was enormously influential throughout the twentieth century and continues to be. Unfortunately, though, the vaguest parts are precisely those that are the most specific about how Rousseau's social contract can be actualized. His infamous claim that we must be "forced to be free" has long been controversial, as have related statements about the General Will's infallibility, absolute sovereignty, anti-monarchialism, and religion. They are near-paradoxical at times and open to a wide interpretation variety. This is how Rousseau has been able to influence people at opposite ends of the political spectrum. He has been credited or blamed - depending on point of view - for everything from the French Revolution to Hitler and Stalin. His philosophical ties to these last have been near-definitively refuted in recent decades, but the book is such we can see how such misconceptions arose. Near-insurmountable pessimism about his own ideals, including his famous statement that only gods would be fit for a democracy, has also frustrated even his strongest admirers. As with all important controversial books, the key is to form one's own conclusions. Few seminal works have greater potential for viable individual interpretation and general applicability.

This gets to the crux of reading Rousseau; he probably invokes the greatest reaction disparity of all philosophers. One almost literally either loves or hates him. Many have idolized and based their whole lives and philosophies on him; at least as many have done the opposite. Those who value originality and writing qualities like general lucidity and conciseness will likely love Rousseau, as he here excels nearly all philosophers and even many literary writers. However, empiricists and others who value truth and facts above all, as well as those who are eminently practical, may well loathe him. Discourse on Inequality's infamous statement that it will ignore facts because they have no bearing on the issue has appalled many ever since publication. Even so, Rousseau's importance and influence are such that anyone seriously interested in philosophy or political thought must read him. Not everyone will agree, but he has been at least as valuable to dissenters as to advocates, however differently.

In sum, those wanting an essential overview of Rousseau's political writings will be interested in this, especially if they want some context and commentary.
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A new English translation, the first to be based on the definitive French Pleiade edition. ... Read more

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Great edition of this classic
What can one say about The Confessions? I would recommend this particular edition because of the inlusion of the letters to Malesherbes, which can shed some light on the process Rousseau's writing of The Confessions. Wecan also see where the text differs from what actually happaned: there aresome discrepiences in his re-telling of the same event. There is as well anexcellent introductory essay. ... Read more

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Deeply Troubled and Restless Genius
It took nearly 300 pages before I was persuaded that Prof. Damrosch's title of "Genius" was partially justified.In the distant past, like many others, I had read Rousseau's Social Contract and Confessions.I do not recall being that impressed.Nor was I particularly sympathetic towars Rousseau, since I had just finished Ruth Scur's biography of Robespierre and had turned to Damrosch's book for an understanding of Rousseau's role as a touchstone for Robespierre and many other perpetrators of the terror and murderous excesses of the French Revolution.My conclusion after reading Prof. Damrosch's elegant and detailed biography is that Rousseau would have been appalled at how his ideas had been used and abused to justify the slaughter of a single person let alone thousands upon thousands and may have himself been, if he had lived, one of its early victims.
Prof. Damrosch provides a highly readable and sympathetic portrait of this restless and deeply troubled man.Largely self-taught and with a very difficult and somewhat deprived childhood, Rousseau lived a Tom Jones-like life for almost 35 years, wandering from place to place, job to job, infatuation to infatuation before almost accidently writing the first of his Discourses and winning a literary prize.During those lean years, Rousseau showed a remarkable talent for acquiring friends, mentors, sponsors, misfits, intellectuals, lovers, pseudo lovers and as many enemies and ex-friends, etc.Rousseau also showed an ability, according to his Confessions, to commit numerous shameful deeds including thievery, betrayal, adultery, and fraud.Damrosch relates these adventures and misadventures in detail though always giving Rousseau the benefit of the doubt.Even so, until the publication of his Second Discourse in 1755, Damrosch presents no evidence of even originality let alone genius in Rousseau's writings.In retrospect the seeds of his originality can be discerned but in truth they can only be fully recognized in the light of his Confessions which were not published until after his death in 1778.Damrosch is probably correct in highlighting the originality and impact of his Confessions since it provides the context for Rousseau's other work.
I am less certain that his political writings reflect genius since Utopian ideas and notion of the general will are at the root of any democratic ideal.Again Damrosch does a good job showing how they differed from his immediate contemporaries and how they were a reflection of Rousseau's own psychological disposition, however, the notion of a correctly ordered society that promotes goodness rather than evil pre-dates Rousseau and certainly was at the heart, for example, of the "Rules" governing monastic orders.Damrosch also makes a strong case for the power of Rousseau's prose.Alas my French is too poor to agree or disagree.Certainly, the translations are powerful and the sheer volume and range impressive for such a late bloomer.It would have been useful to have seen a more explicit discussion as to the nature of Rousseau's genius. My sense is that Rousseau had a phenomenal memory as is demonstrated in his apparent mastery of 1500 plants found in the vicinity of Paris and an ability to see meaningful patterns in information from diverse sources as is demonstrated by his interest in music, botany and chess.
Damrosch's own minimally judgmental attitude towards some of Rousseau's more egregious actions such as the abandonment at orphanages of up to 5 of his new born babies takes some getting used to - but serves its purpose of maintaining sufficient acceptance of Rousseau to see the full picture.Rousseau appears to have been the first of the existentialists:Never sure who he was, why he was the way he was and how he related to others and they to him.Whatever the source of this worldview, it was undoubtedly the source of his restlessness, his hypochondria, his narcissism and his paranoia.Prof. Damrosch provides ample evidence for all these abnormalities.
The book itself is nicely produced with an excellent selection of illustrations.

Enjoyable read
This biography captures the curious development of J.J. Rousseau.It is far less successful explaining the importance or lack of importance of Rousseau's personal events and experiences toward written, especially non-fiction, works.I would be willing to argue Damrosch's resistance toward psychologizing is a strength.However, this book lacks any penetrating analysis of Rousseau's written work of non-fiction.

The strength of this biography is learning the relationships of Rousseau; the tragedy of his many failed romances and friendships.It is a most enjoyable read, but presumes a familiarity (disinterest or indifference) to Rousseau writings.

In the three paragraph book sleeve description we are told "Leo Damroach beautifully mines Rousseau's books."This is quite misleading.Damroach offers very little commentary on Rousseau's books and when he does it rather shallow.I suspect this is not because of Damroach's lack of ability, but rather a lack of intent.Damraoch's intent seems to be on the personal and political experiences of Rouasseau.To put it a little different this is a personal biography much more than an intellectual biography.Damroach only get to Rousseau's first discourse (an essay on whether science and arts have progressed humanity) in chapter 12, more than 200 pages into the book."Emile" and "Social Contract" share a mere 30 page chapter.

Domroach's academic "mining" is not as much in Rousseau's "books" as much as it is Rousseau's personal correspondence.It is here that is the real strength of this biography.It is a safely written, well documented, description of Rousseau's personal life and political struggles.

In spite of the false advertizing on the book sleeve, I very much enjoyed this book, finding myself inspired by Rousseau's perseverance from each personal and political setback.Damroach's writing is very engaging and lively, although the book is in need of better editing.

Damroach is quite successful in demonstrating how Rousseau's life experiences overtly appear and shape his novel "Julie" and offers penetrating commentary on Rousseau's "Confessions."

For me this book confirmed my experience as an educator, namely genius is quite common and (a rigid or rote) formal schooling may not be the best way to nurture our potentialities.Rousseau himself had no formal education and seemed to have resisted it.Rather it was Rousseau's self-education, in junction with some very important relationships and friendships which allowed for his genius to flourish.Curiously Rousseau experience as tutor was all but a failure.In other words not even his students seemed to benefit much from Rousseau's personal construction of a formal instruction.

Rousseau is a towering figure who deserves careful study.We can learn from his written work and his personal development and achievements.Domroach's biography is a very good book for the latter.

Late Bloomer

I selected this because of its National Book Award recognition.The winners and nominees I've read have all been good and this one did not disappoint.I mention this to say that you don't need a background in Rousseau or French history to understand and enjoy this book.Leo Damrosch provides a solid background and so that his analysis is easily accessible.

The book explains how Rousseau's life informs his writing.Rousseau's years alone, his highly charged emotions, his co-dependence and later co-dependent, Therese, shaped his views on power, government, economic dependence, and raising children.

As with so many thinkers of his time, he cannot see women as equals.His neediness, exemplified in both his son to parent relationship with Mme de Warens and that of sister/housekeeper/lover/wife Therese show that while he can break the mold in so much other thinking, an equal role for women is a bridge too far.

Damrosch documents the influence of Emile and how far it extended and credits the The Confessions of J. J. Rousseau, Complete as the first autobiography (a concept new in an of itself) to explore an inner life.He spends considerably less time on the most famous work,the The Social Contract and Discourses.

This book joins Rousseau's life story with past and present interpretations of his work and the changing acceptance of his ideas in his time and ours.I highly recommend it.

Master of no one, mastered by no one
Until Damros published this 2005 National Book Award finalist, there has not been a good single-volume biography of Rousseau in the English language. This is because Rousseau's own auto-biography, "Confessions" (1782), is so well done and the number of sources for Rousseau's first 40 years are otherwise so weak, that writing a new biography is mostly a retelling of what Rousseau has already said. The strength of Damros' biography is to summarize Rousseau's life, his evolving thinking and his major works, including historical significance and context, while weaving in some of the best scholarship available after two centuries of reflection.

His personality can best be describe as immature and "sharp at the edges". He either loved a person with all his heart, or hated them as his worst enemy. Usually, it started with the former and ended with the later, fueled by his paranoia and over-active imagination. These are traits one normally sees in a child, a black and white world view of love and hate unable to deal with the ambiguities of human weaknesses - which makes sense given Rousseau's brilliant genius combined with his abusive child-hood; lacking a mother he needed to trust someone, but at the same time could trust no one because of his abusive past. This fueled his desire for self-sufficiency and subsequent rejection of dependent relationships - thus he was naturally conflicted in an 18th C French society which was based on hierarchies of dependencies, where everyone was either the master of someone, or mastered by someone (and usually both)--Rousseau found a way to both live and preach an isolated life of self-sufficiency and inward reflection, hallmarks of the modern man. The master of no one, mastered by no one, and completely isolated from everyone. All of this is directly reflected in his works and ideas, so it is possible to fully understand Rousseau's works by understanding Rousseau the person - this biography paints the full portrait and answers many questions.

Much more than just his philosophy.
This fine biography traces one of those lives that would not be credible if it were fiction. After his mother died and his father abandoned him, Rousseau wandered from place to place without receiving any formal education.He failed at just about every job he attempted.Through a course of self study, however, his genuis slowly fermented, and then, in a mind bogling 5 year period around the age of 40, produced The Social Contract plus two of the most popular and influential novels of the 17th century, Emile and Julie.

The story of his life, as told by Damrosch, serves the purpose of explaining where his philosophy came from.In Damrosch's view, Rousseau's outsider status and his ability to learn on his own provided the prespective from which he could see through the assumptions of his day and emerge with a unique view of life. Damrosch does a superb job of weaving between Rousseau's life, his personality and his philosophy.

My only slight criticism is that the substance of The Social Contract, the book for which he's best known today, fills just a few pages.I would have preferred more on that.Damrosch, a professor of literature, seems more at home analyzing the two novels and the later autobiography, Confessions, which he considers the first modern autobiography in which a person tries to look at his childhood and inner life to see how he became the person he became.Damrosch does a first rate job examining all aspects of Rousseau's thought as revealed in the novels and the autobiography.

In short, an extremely well written biography of a both intriguing and important man. ... Read more

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Justa head's-up
This book is not a critical study of Rousseau's Emile, nor is it even the whole work itself.It's only a digest of the work, containing selections from Emile.Just thought I should point that out to any potential buyers. ... Read more

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Rousseau attacks the social and political effects of the dominant forms of scientific knowledge. ... Read more

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The MacMahons are the central characters and even more so when Helen the wife & mother disappears..everyone assumes that she has drowned in the lake.Thus beginsa tangles,touching,& sometimes tragis story of love,loss & misunderstanding. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Looks to be fine
I haven't had to read this book yet for my class, but it seems to be in good shape.I believe it was a used copy...looks fine.

An Editing Failure
I have enjoyed the work immensely, but it should be noted that typographical errors abound and the overall effect is one of carelessness. A single proof-read would have eliminated all the problems.

Emile by Jean-Jaque Rousseau
This is an interesting text that has continued to influence education since its original publication in 1762. This particular edition is nice, because of its size and being paperback, it is easily toted around.
The introduction by P.D. Jimack is interesting and well written, helping the reader to have some perspective before reading the text.

The Educator's Gospel!
Reading Rousseau is best done before reading anything about Rousseau.This singularly original thinker has been so often maligned and misunderstood that any potential reader is usually scared off.Having heard the ugly rumors (Jean-Jacques as the the 'father of totalitarianism'), I must admit that I approached this work with some trepidation. What I found instead, was a delightful and penetrating look into the craft of educating.

Divided into five books, Rousseau accompanied his mythical Emile from the nursery to the wedding chapel, chronicling every step of the way as his pupil's sagacious tutor.Rousseau proved himself a psychologist of the first order laying open the vagaries of the child's (and possibly, every 'romantic's'!) mind.With his almost biblical use of parable and metaphor, Rousseau underscores his central theme of humanity's intrinsic nobility.This innate 'goodness' should not be educated out of the child, nor left to its own devices.Instead, Rousseau argues that it must be nurtured into fruition.Be too strict, and you murder the spirit; be too lenient, and you create a tyrant.Rousseau lays out a doctrine of wisdom, kindness, and truth.Make the child 'feel' his/her errors and he/she will err no more.With aphoristic brilliance, Jean-Jacques provides a blueprint for correct child-rearing and for a wise education. 'Reverse the usual practice and you will almost always do right...You instill vice by forbidding it...To control the child one must often control oneself.'

Jimack's translation gives the English reader a taste of just how refreshing and enlightening the original French text must be.Each sentence rolls off the page with a natural elegance and effortlessness as if it were a leaf falling to the forest floor, paving the reader's way with the bricks of a very practical wisdom.Written in the spirit of the Enlightenment, that most optimistic of times when humanity felt she had re-entered the Garden of Eden, 'Emile' does have its difficulties for the modern reader.The book's treatise on faith, 'Thoughts of a Savoyard Vicar,' fails to thoroughly examine all aspects of why we believe what we believe, while Book Five, where the grown Emile meets his partner-to-be, Sophy, amuses and often frustrates the reader with Rousseau's thinly disguised chauvinism. Rousseau held to a view distinctly unpopular nowadays; sexual roles are set by nature and best left undisturbed.

Yet, despite such anachronisms, 'Emile' is still the best educator's handbook around.It is the tree from which all modern educational theory has grown.Nurture nature and your pupils will blossom!

A pivotal personality in education!
This work by Jean Jacques Rousseau probably represents the single greatest work in defining what we would call education today. I am a Francophone living in Northern Ontario and so I have read just the french version, but barring that I believe that Rousseau was ahead of his time. His simple theory of education was the floor from which many other pedagogues would follow(Pestalozzi, Montessori, Itard, Séguin, among others). His theory of child development established him in all fairness, as the first psychologist of all time.

'The punishment is the natural consequence of the error' Such a novel concept for a time so tumultuous. One other statement is the following' You must begin by first knowing your children, because on the whole you do not'. Rousseau passions me and I believe him to be the reason why education turned towards the children rather than the teachers.

To conclude, I can say most assuredly that Rousseau, with his avant-garde tactics, awoke the world to the concept of an education centered around the child. If you lose the child, you lose the concept of education. ... Read more

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Jean Jacques Rousseau's classic works in one collection.

Works include:
The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau

A Discourse Upon The Origin And The Foundation Of The Inequality Among Mankind

Emile ... Read more

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Rousseau es una fuerza que se anticipa a su época para crear ideas y situaciones, y para señalar rumbos educativos en un mundo sumergido en antiguas costumbre y tabúes.Leyendo a este Emilio espléndido, libre, amante de la vida, asistimos a un espectáculo sorprendente de descubrimientos pedagógicos aún valederos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Classic book.
One of the basics to understand our world. Good spanish translation (althoug a couple of pages came folded inside) ... Read more

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It Is Of Man That I Have To Speak; And The Question I Am Investigating Shows Me That It Is To Men That I Must Address Myself: For Questions Of This Sort Are Not Asked By Those Who Are Afraid To Honour Truth. I Shall Then Confidently Uphold The Cause Of Humanity Before The Wise Men Who Invite Me To Do So, And Shall Not Be Dissatisfied If I Acquit Myself In A Manner Worthy Of My Subject And Of My Judges. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Essential Philosophy
Discourse on Inequality is one of the most shockingly original writings in the history of thought - so original Samuel Johnson famously argued Rousseau could not have been serious, and many, including admirers, have agreed. Its argument that people are born free and pure only to be corrupted by society flies in the proverbial face not only of philosophy but of civilization itself. It was all the more shocking during the Enlightenment, when society, not least via Rousseau's many fellow philosophers, was more self-congratulatory than ever. His depiction of our fall from grace is spellbinding and hard to put down; those who think philosophy is dry and boring will truly be surprised. This is essential for anyone even remotely interested in philosophy, politics, or history.

classic
this is a classic worth reading written by the philosopher, rousseau.i was a little surprised with his approach / maybe expecting a 21st century we are all really equal.while equality is suggested, it reflects the writer and his times (for example, the belief, "what?a woman can think as well as me?") kind of thinking.he discusses selections, particularly from western culture and experience, of the history and natural or biological basis of various inequalities.brilliant logic.A-, it comes recommended for individuals who want to read about inequality.since it's so inexpensive on kindle, i recommend your looking through this if you have a kindle.if not, i'd probably just read more recent treatises on equality from the 20th and 21st century that adequately summarize this piece.

A profound examination of the human condition
This is a book I picked up and began reading.It was probably the most
interesting book I have ever read.It was my introduction to the Classic
texts and remains my favorite.

A historic and important document.
A historic document with still validity in our days, where many of the reasons appointed by Rousseau as the causes of the inequality between men, are deeply felt today in our societies.
Sure, the limitations of the scientific knowledge at the time (1757), coupled with the intransigence of the Catholic dogmasin what regards some possible evolutionary view, restricts in great measure the range of Rousseaus' thought. In Rousseau's view, these inequalities should be ascribed to the modern spirit of emulation, which distorts the primeval feeling of self-fulfillment found on the very primitive societies of yesterday, where there was happiness among its members, thus turning human happiness today and at the time of Rousseau as a function of one's attainement vis-à-vis the other's, which is something very conspicous in our lives of today, where we seem to live totally in function of prescribed standards of comsumption and leisure. A necessary reading for the student of the social facts.

Thank you, but no, thanks
"I have received your new book against the human race, and thank you for it. Never was such cleverness used in the design of making us all stupid. One longs, in reading your book, to walk on all fours. But as I have lost that habit for more than sixty years, I feel unhappily the impossibility of resuming it. Nor can I embark in search of the savages of Canada, because the maladies to which I am condemned render a European surgeon necessary to me; because war is going on in those regions; and because the example of our actions has made the savages nearly as bad as ourselves." Voltaire (1755) ... Read more

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This collection of Enlightenment Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau includes his most influential works: THE SOCIAL CONTRACT, CONFESSIONS, EMILE, and includes several other essays of interest: A DISCOURSE ON POLITICAL ECONOMY, INEQUALITY AMONG MEN, CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF POLAND, and A CONSTITUTIONAL PROJECT FOR CORSICA.

Rousseau was a major Swiss philosopher, writer, and composer of the eighteenth-century Enlightenment, whose political philosophy influenced the French Revolution and the development of modern political and educational thought.

This ebook is DRM free and includes an active table of contents.
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On the Social Contract, written by legendary author Jean-Jacques Rousseau, is widely considered to be one of the greatest classic texts of all time. This great classic will surely attract a whole new generation of readers. For many, On the Social Contract is required reading for various courses and curriculums. And for others who simply enjoy reading timeless pieces of classic literature, this gem by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is highly recommended. Published by Classic Books International and beautifully produced, On the Social Contract would make an ideal gift and it should be a part of everyone's personal library. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Essential Philosophy
On Social Contract is now considered Rousseau's most important work, and it is easy to see why. He of course did not invent the social contract; Thomas Hobbes' 1651 Leviathan is generally considered its foundation, but elements are visible at least as far back as Plato. It had dominated Western political thought since Hobbes, though, and Rousseau's contribution is one of the most important. He looks at the question more thoroughly and systematically than anyone since Hobbes and, though he admired the latter, comes to almost the opposite conclusion. His arguments for a social contract are strong - nay, near-undeniable - but, more importantly and unlike many, he actually goes into how to implement one in considerable detail. The work is again remarkable for being very well-written. As it is significantly longer than the Discourses, the quality is not as uniform; several chapters, especially those on the Roman republic, are more or less tangential, and there are other weak spots. That said, the vast majority is extremely engaging and generally lucid. One can come away from On Social Contract with an almost spiritually intense belief in its central tenets, and many have; Poland and Corsica both asked Rousseau to propose a constitution, and the French Revolution may well not have happened without him. The book was enormously influential throughout the twentieth century and continues to be. Unfortunately, though, the vaguest parts are precisely those that are the most specific about how Rousseau's social contract can be actualized. His infamous claim that we must be "forced to be free" has long been controversial, as have related statements about the General Will's infallibility, absolute sovereignty, anti-monarchialism, and religion. They are near-paradoxical at times and open to a wide interpretation variety. This is how Rousseau has been able to influence people at opposite ends of the political spectrum. He has been credited or blamed - depending on point of view - for everything from the French Revolution to Hitler and Stalin. His philosophical ties to these last have been near-definitively refuted in recent decades, but the book is such we can see how such misconceptions arose. Near-insurmountable pessimism about his own ideals, including his famous statement that only gods would be fit for a democracy, has also frustrated even his strongest admirers. As with all important controversial books, the key is to form one's own conclusions. Few seminal works have greater potential for viable individual interpretation and general applicability.

This gets to the crux of reading Rousseau; he probably invokes the greatest reaction disparity of all philosophers. One almost literally either loves or hates him. Many have idolized and based their whole lives and philosophies on him; at least as many have done the opposite. Those who value originality and writing qualities like general lucidity and conciseness will likely love Rousseau, as he here excels nearly all philosophers and even many literary writers. However, empiricists and others who value truth and facts above all, as well as those who are eminently practical, may well loathe him. Discourse on Inequality's infamous statement that it will ignore facts because they have no bearing on the issue has appalled many ever since publication. Even so, Rousseau's importance and influence are such that anyone seriously interested in philosophy or political thought must read him. Not everyone will agree with him, but he has been at least as valuable to dissenters as to advocates, and the trend continues.

Enlightening
What a marvel to see the magnificent truth of the master's work 250 years after he postulated it. What a treat to read Cole's translation side-by-side with the original French to see how closely he followed the intent and phraseology.What a surprise to discern the deeply-held Christian views of this acclaimed free-thinker who is so often misused by the secular, progressive socialists of our day.Merci, M. Rousseau!

Good points...
This book has very good points, it is a little long winded at times. It is a classic text of the enlightenment. Overall I would consider it a worth while read....

America
When are you going to start teaching true classic literature such as this in your public schools? Great, must read, for anybody who believes in human rights.

nice book
the book is political and morally correct, and its a classic!the same book that inspired our founding fathers to creat the "land of the free" ... Read more

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The Confessions of J. J. Rousseau - Volume 12 is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of Jean-Jacques Rousseau then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection. ... Read more

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Jean Jacques Rousseau was born at Geneva, June 28, 1712, the son of a watchmaker of French origin. His education was irregular, and though he tried many professions-including engraving, music, and teaching-he found it difficult to support himself in any of them. The discovery of his talent as a writer came with the winning of a prize offered by the Academy of Dijon for a discourse on the question, "Whether the progress of the sciences and of letters has tended to corrupt or to elevate morals." He argued so brilliantly that the tendency of civilization was degrading that he became at once famous. The discourse here printed on the causes of inequality among men was written in a similar competition.He now concentrated his powers upon literature, producing two novels, "La Nouvelle Heloise," the forerunner and parent of endless sentimental and picturesque fictions; and "Emile, ou l'Education," a work which has had enormous influence on the theory and practise of pedagogy down to our own time and in which the Savoyard Vicar appears, who is used as the mouthpiece for Rousseau's own religious ideas. "Le Contrat Social" (1762) elaborated the doctrine of the discourse on inequality. Both historically and philosophically it is unsound; but it was the chief literary source of the enthusiasm for liberty, fraternity, and equality, which inspired the leaders of the French Revolution, and its effects passed far beyond France.His most famous work, the "Confessions," was published after his death. The book is a mine of information as to his life. It is one of the great autobiographies of the world.During Rousseau's later years he was the victim of the delusion of persecution; and although he was protected by a succession of good friends, he came to distrust and quarrel with each in turn. He died at Ermenonville, near Paris, July 2, 1778, the most widely influential French writer of his age. ... Read more