Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the renowned 18th-century philosopher, found himself in a series of unfortunate events that led him to seek refuge across various locations. Despite facing adversity, including the stoning of his house and subsequent expulsions, Rousseau continued to work on his writings, which included his famous “Confessions” and “Rêveries du promeneur solitaire.” His life was a complex tapestry of intellectual brilliance marred by personal strife and paranoia.
Escape to Neuchatel and Subsequent Travels
With the help of influential friends, Jean-Jacques Rousseau managed to evade capture and found sanctuary in the Swiss canton of Neuchatel, then under Prussian control. His stay there was troubled; after his house was attacked, Rousseau was forced to flee again. He sought refuge in the canton of Bern, specifically on the Isle of Saint-Pierre in Lake Biel. However, his respite was short-lived as he was expelled from Bern in 1765.
Time in England and Quarrel with Hume
Following his expulsion, Rousseau accepted the invitation of the Scottish philosopher David Hume to reside at his house in England. During this period, Rousseau began drafting the first part of his “Confessions.” However, within a year, his relationship with Hume deteriorated drastically. Rousseau accused Hume, along with other Enlightenment figures like Diderot and Grimm, of conspiring against him. This dispute led to Rousseau’s return to France in 1767.
Life in France and Writings
Back in France, Rousseau’s distrust of others intensified, evolving into what he perceived as persecution. He traveled through various provinces before finally settling in Paris in 1770. There, he lived modestly in an attic, earning a living by copying music. Despite his reclusive lifestyle, Rousseau attracted attention from both the French authorities, who surprisingly did not interfere with him, and from international visitors, who often experienced his irascible nature firsthand.
In the French capital, Rousseau frequented salons where he would read excerpts from his “Confessions” to the attendees. During the latter years of his life, he embarked on writing “Rêveries du promeneur solitaire,” a reflection on nature and his personal sentiments, which remained incomplete at the time of his death.
Final Days and Death
As his health declined, Rousseau moved to the residence of a patron in Ermenonville, near Paris. It was here that he spent his final days before passing away. Despite the tumultuous nature of his later life, Rousseau’s contributions to philosophy and literature continued to resonate long after his demise.
Questions for UPSC
1. How did Rousseau’s personal experiences and the political climate of the time influence his philosophical writings?
2. What can be inferred about Rousseau’s relationships with his contemporaries based on his accusations and conflicts?
3. In what ways did Rousseau’s self-imposed isolation impact the reception of his works during his lifetime and posthumously?