The Enlightenment is clearly an important time period in European history. It was a remarkable 18^th century movement that occurred in countries such as France, Britain, and Germany. This event brought many improvements and reforms to Europe. It created government consolation, nation creation, better rights for the common man, and many more. Many brilliant philosophers started to make their mark and contributions during this age. The famous names include Wesley, Hame, Zinzindorf, and much more.

               A giant name during the Enlightenment Age is Jean Jacques Rousseau. He is a revered philosopher. Rousseau was the least academic of modern philosophers and invented the modern autobiography. He also made many contributions to music both as a theorist and a composer. Rousseau was born in Geneva in June 28, 1712. He died in July 2, 1778. Rousseau’s mother, Suzanne Bernard Rousseau died just nine days after her son’s birth due to complications. A very sad memory indeed. Rousseau’s father, Isaac who was a failed watchmaker abandoned his son in 1722 to avoid imprisonment. As a result, Rousseau was raised by his caring aunt and uncle. At a young age, Rousseau was a diligent reader and writer. He also received an excellent education. His studies were focused on Plutarch’s Lives and Calvinist Sermons. This is how he gained his religious views. As a young adult, Rousseau traveled to Paris to make a decent living. He worked as a music teacher, music copyist, and a political secretary. He also went from a footman to an assistant and to an important ambassador to his country. In addition to that, a close friend Denis Diderot commissioned Rousseau to write an article on music for the French Encyclopedia. This was a great honor indeed. All these work experiences that Rousseau has gained definitely helped him to become superbly intelligent and well-rounded person.

                 Jean Jacques Rousseau is known for his many famous writings. The names for these pieces are “Discourse in the origin of Inequality”, “The New Eloise”, “The Social Contract”, and many more. Rousseau’s essay “Discourse on the sciences and the arts” won first place. In this essay, Rousseau boldly attacked the arts. Rousseau said that the arts and sciences have not been beneficial to humankind because they were not human needs. Instead, they are a result of pride and vanity. He told people that the arts were being used as instruments of propaganda and greater sources of power in the hands of the wealthy. In his opinion, the arts and sciences are not necessary and are being misused. As a result, the writing led him to fame and recognition. However, this work also started a series of violent disputes. All these problems continued to grow for three years after its publication. Another essay that Rousseau worked and published would be “The Origin of Inequality.” In this writing, he gave a well-written description of man’s natural state. He claimed that at one time all men were created equal. We are all human beings that possess great, special talents. As time progressed, men began to form society and compete with one another. It was then discovered that men were superior to others in certain things such as sports or subjects. As a result, inequality rose. In 1756, Rousseau began to write a novel called the “New Eloise”, which became enormously popular. This book was one of the most widely read works of the Romanticism period. Another work of Rousseau would be the Social Contract. This book outlines the basis for a legitimate political order. In this novel he expressed his opinion which is that by abandoning their claims of natural right, individuals can preserve themselves and remain free. Rousseau also debated that the power should be in the hands of the people. People should be given the opportunity to make their own laws instead of the government making laws for them.

                 Religion is another factor that had a great influence in Rousseau’s writings and life. As a child, Rousseau was raised as a Calvinist. Then in 1728, he immigrated to Turin and became a faithful Roman Catholic. Years later, Rousseau shares his views on religion with the public. He stated that a man is good by nature conflicts with the doctrine of original sin.  In the Social Contract, he stated that the true followers of Jesus Christ would not make good citizens. This statement angered the people of Geneva. To avoid any more trouble, the book was condemned in both Calvinist Geneva and Catholic Paris. In order to defend himself from the angry critics of his religious views, he wrote a letter to Christopher de Beaumont, the Archbishop of Paris.

               Jean Jacques Rousseau has clearly left behind a great legacy. All his amazing novels and essays have definitely inspired future leaders of the French Revolution. His theory of education led to a more permissive, oriented methods of childcare. His works The New Heloise and Confessions introduced a new, helpful style of extreme emotional expression. Rousseau’s many ideas about education have greatly influenced modern educational theory. In his novel Emile he shares with us the differences between healthy and useless crippled children. New generations will forever remember Rousseau as an intelligent philosopher of the Enlightenment who seriously attacked the institution of private property. He also argued that the goal of government is to secure freedom and equality. Finally, his political philosophy is that politics and morality should not be separated. Overall, Rousseau is a man of many talents. He lived his life in order to improve himself, his country, and the government. Rousseau’s contributions during the Enlightenment Age will always be remembered and appreciated.