In 'The Confessions', Jean-Jacques Rousseau unveils his innermost thoughts and experiences, creating a powerful narrative of self-exploration and personal truth. This groundbreaking autobiographical work invites readers to journey through his turbulent childhood, passionate loves, and profound philosophical revelations. Rousseau's candid reflections challenge societal norms and expose the complexities of human nature and emotion. As he grapples with the conflict between his ideals and the realities of life, readers are left pondering the very essence of selfhood and authenticity. A timeless exploration of individuality, 'The Confessions' beckons those curious about the depths of the human psyche.
By Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Published: 1953
"I have never been more my own master than when I have been wholly under the influence of my passions."
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. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
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“I have never been more my own master than when I have been wholly under the influence of my passions.”
The Confessions
By Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) was a profound Swiss philosopher, writer, and composer whose ideas influenced the development of modern political, economic, and educational thought. He is best known for his notable works, including "The Social Contract," "Emile, or On Education," and "Confessions," which laid the foundation for a new approach to individual rights and personal freedom. Rousseau's writing is characterized by its emotional depth, philosophical rigor, and eloquent exploration of the human condition, blending autobiography with social critique. His vision of a compassionate society, grounded in sincerity and natural goodness, has left a lasting legacy on Enlightenment thought and continues to inspire discussions on democracy and education.
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