Jean-Jacques Rousseau(S.Licciardi)

Hello, my name is Jean-Jacques Rousseau. I was born in the independent Calvinist city-state of Geneva on June 28, 1712. I am the son of Isaac Rousseau, a watchmaker, and Suzanne Bernard. Since my mother died a mere nine days after my birth and my father was exiled, I became an apprentice to an engraver and was put in the care of a pastor. When I was sixteen I left the city I called my home and, after trying many different apprenticeships but ultimately failing, I moved to France for two years. I was a Protestant for my whole life but I eventually converted to Roman Catholicism in April 1728. Although later on, I converted back to Protestant in 1754. I loved writing and have published many pieces of literature expresses my opinions and thoughts. For example, in 1749 I entered an essay contest  organized by the Academy of Dijon. The question was whether or not the development of the arts and sciences had improved or corrupted public morals. This question sparked an idea in me and I then realized that humankind is good by nature but is corrupted by society. I entered his Discourse on the Sciences and Arts (known as the First Discourse) in the competition and won first prize with my idea that social development, including of the arts and sciences, is destructive to both virtue and individual moral character. The Discourse was published in 1750 and was the gateway to expressing all my ideas. I used this piece of literature to introduce many theories of mine, especially that all humans are naturally good but corrupted by societies urge to distinction and excellence. Music, writing, and teaching was how I spent most of my life. I loved music throughout my whole life but especially during the years 1752 and 1753. I once again responded to an essay competition from the Academy of Dijon called the Second Discourse. I, unfortunately, did not win a prize this time. In 1762 my next big work appeared, The Social Contract. This describes my belief that the government should have limited controls and the good of the community placed above anyone's individual interests. I often say that man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains. I strongly believe that everyone is born tabula rasa, or with a clean slate. Society has allowed people to become less in touch with their true nature causing corruption and destruction. Freedom is the greatest good. By coming to understand our natural limitations, and rejecting false social expectations we all may be able to find true happiness.