Volume II explores Rousseau's personal life and relationships, including his time with Madame de Warens and his subsequent departure from her household. He also discusses his experiences in Paris, where he became embroiled in the city's social scene and began to develop his philosophical ideas. The volume delves into Rousseau's relationships with women, particularly Mme de Larnage and Sophie d'Houdetot, and how these relationships influenced his writing and thought. He also reflects on his own emotional and psychological struggles, including his feelings of guilt and shame. Throughout the volume, Rousseau grapples with the tension between his desire for social connection and his need for solitude and independence. He begins to develop his ideas about the nature of human society and the role of emotions in shaping individual behavior. The volume concludes with Rousseau's reflections on his own moral character and his sense of responsibility for his actions.
By Jean Jacques Rousseau · First published 1782 · Genre: Autobiography, Philosophy, Literary Non-fiction