PERSONAL GROWTH WITHOUT ILLUSIONS!
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Political theorist, philosopher, writer and composer
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was the thinker who decided to warn the 18th century that civilisation was ruining everything — and he did so with style, controversy and a sharp pen.
Born in 1712 in Geneva, he lived a life full of twists and turns worthy of a soap opera: orphaned at an early age, apprentice engraver, fugitive, musician, copyist and, of course, a card-carrying Enlightenment philosopher (even though he fought with almost all of his colleagues in the club).
He wrote fundamental works, arguing that man is born good, but society finds a way to corrupt him. He saw his books banned and burned, and himself persecuted — all while defending freedom, education and even a return to ‘natural simplicity’. He died in 1778, but left a legacy that still inspires revolutions and educators today.