Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) was a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer whose work shaped modern political, educational, and social thought. Born in Geneva, he wrote influential philosophical and political texts, contributed articles on music to Diderot’s Encyclopédie, and published the novels Julie; or, The New Heloise and Émile.

His major works include Discourse on the Sciences and Arts, Discourse on the Origin and Foundations of Inequality Among Men, The Social Contract, Émile, or On Education, and the autobiographical Confessions. The Essential Writings of Rousseau collects selections from this influential body of work.