The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau, Volume

Name: The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau, Volume IX
Author: Jean Jacques Rousseau

This volume explores the author's relationships and personal growth during his time in Paris. He discusses his friendships with influential figures, including Diderot and d'Alembert, and his involvement in the Encyclopédie project. The author also reflects on his own flaws and weaknesses, particularly his tendency towards self-deception and manipulation of others.

By Jean Jacques Rousseau · First published 1782 · Genre: Autobiography, Philosophy, Literary Criticism · 42,429 words

First lines

My impatience to inhabit the Hermitage not permitting me to wait until the return of fine weather, the moment my lodging was prepared I hastened to take possession of it, to the great amusement of the 'Coterie Holbachaque', which publicly predicted I should not be able to support solitude for three months, and that I should unsuccessfully return to Paris, and live there as they did. For my part, having for fifteen years been out of my element, finding myself upon the eve of returning to it, I paid no attention to their pleasantries. Since contrary to my inclinations, I have again entered the world, I have incessantly regretted my dear Charmettes, and the agreeable life I led there. I felt a natural inclination to retirement and the country: it was impossible for me to live happily elsewhere. At Venice, in the train of public affairs, in the dignity of a kind of representation, in the pride of projects of advancement; at Paris, in the vortex of the great world, in the luxury of suppers, in the brilliancy of spectacles, in the rays of splendor; my groves, rivulets, and solitary walks, constantly presented themselves to my recollection, interrupted my thought, rendered me melancholy, and made me sigh with desire. All the labor to which I had subjected myself, every project of ambition which by fits had animated my ardor, all had for object this happy country retirement, which I now thought near at hand. Without having acquired a genteel independence, which I had judged to be the only means of accomplishing my views, I imagined myself, in my particular situation, to be able to do without it, and that I could obtain the same end by a means quite opposite. I had no regular income; but I possessed some talents, and had acquired a name.

What this Textopian page supports

The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau, Volume IX is listed on Textopian as an essay by Jean Jacques Rousseau, dated 1782 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: Jean Jacques Rousseau
Date: 1782 CE
Language: English
Genres: Autobiography, Philosophy, Literary Criticism, Romanticism, Memoir
Length: 42,429 words
Structure: 1 section, 246 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau, Volume IX by Jean Jacques Rousseau
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau, Volume IX?
How does this essay by Jean Jacques Rousseau fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Autobiography first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Autobiography — The work is a personal account of the author's life experiences and reflections.
Philosophy — It explores deep philosophical themes regarding human nature, society, and morality.
Literary Criticism — The text critiques societal norms and literary conventions of the author's time.
Romanticism — It embodies the ideals of Romanticism, emphasizing emotion and individualism.