I dont know if you already answered this question (I'm sorry if you did!) but, which JJ's book do you recommend for starters?
Hi, thank you for the ask. I don't think I've ever answered it publicly actually!
It depends entirely on what interests you:
1. The Social Contract/Du contrat social
-> start here if you want to pick up Rousseau because you're interested in the French Revolution/politics/political philosophy. It is probably his most famous work (along with Emile maybe)
It's surprisingly readable (and funny at times!), though if you expect a perfectly coherent and logical system, be prepared for disappointment. It also helps to know at least some basics (like the gist of Hobbes' or Locke's political philosophy), but don't worry if you don't, you're still understand most of it.
2. Letter to M. d'Alembert on Spectacles
-> start here if you want a genuinely fascinating insight into late 1700s misogyny. It's chilling how some of the arguments feel so contemporary. It's fairly short, and reads more like a ramble/angry twitter thread that just pulls you right in.
It's great to get your blood boiling, but not a great start if you want to like Rousseau. Oh, and if you read it alongside Confessions, the sheer level of cognitive disonance/denial it's simply delicious.
3. Confessions
-> start here if you want to learn about Rousseau's life. It won't necessarily give you the true facts, but it will offer you a fascinating insight into his mind.
It's one hell of a ride, but it's not all weird psychosexual wtf moments. You can learn a lot from it about what life was like in the 18th century, and about the (usually unspoken) social norms. One thing I loved was that it revealed how much power French women actually had in the society, though it wasn't immediately obvious.
Also, there are some passages in which he talks about his social anxiety and insecurities where I genuinely find myself sympathising with him.
I'm also sorry to say that I firmly believe that it's a fun read. It gets very, very frustrating at times, but the man could write.
4. Introducing Rousseau by Dave Robinson
-> Start here if you want a quick overview/something to hold onto before jumping straight in!
Yeah, it's an illustrated guide, it's a tiny book and it looks a bit daft, but I personally swear by it. It's a very quick and engaging read, but it represents his philosophy and his life fairly well from what I can tell.
Pictured here with my hand and the man himself:
Honourable Mentions:
5. Discourse on the Arts and Sciences -> start here if you want to start with a text that first made Rousseau famous/are keen to approach his works in a chronological order
6. Emile, or On Education -> I haven't read this one I'm afraid (though I now own it!), but it's one of his most influential works. If you're interested in the idea of childhood and education, this one's for you! (but prepare to be angry re: Education of Sophie I guess)
