Of French descent, Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), the well known litterateur, philosopher and political thinker of the 18th century, whose precepts and thoughts created lasting impact on Western democracy, was born in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 28, 1712. His father was a watchmaker. He grew up undisciplined and at about the age of 16, became a vagabound.
Fired by an urge to know and a man of multifarious interests, he roamed through Switzerland, Italy and France, earning his way as secretary, tutor, and music teacher. When he came to Paris in 1741, Rousseau was troubled by the fact that the existing structure of society was artificial and unfair in its organization. The French people, in his opinion, lived by rules made by the aristocracy, which little concerned with the common man.
This unknown wanderer upset that whole elaborate society. After years of thought, he wrote a book on the origin of government, title "The Social Contract". In it he strongly expressed his feelings and belief that no laws were binding unless agreed upon by the people. His political philosophy deeply influenced French thinking, as it became one of the major forces that brought about French Revolution about 30 years later.
Rousseau also helped in bringing about another revolution - in the field of education. In his book "Emile", he assailed the way children were schooled in those days and strongly urged that they be given freedom to enjoy sunlight, exercise and play. Rousseau recognized that there were definite periods of development in a child's life. He forcefully contended that his learning capacities should be fostered only as the child felt the need. A child allowed to grow up in this fashion would achieve his best possible development. Education should begin at home, pleaded and parents should not preach to the child but should set a good example. Rousseau believed that children should make their own decisions.
In literature, too, Rousseau inspired a profound change. He stirred writers to realize that the beauties of nature had a rightful place in literature. The Romantic Movement in Germany, France and England owes much to Rousseau's influence and example. He dared to write of his most intimate emotions. His autobiographical "Confessions" is considered a masterpiece of self-revelation.
Rousseau was persecuted for his religious views and fled France in 1762. For a time, he lived with the historian David Hume in England. He later returned to France, broken in health and spirit. Troubled by delusions, he died near Paris on July 2, 1778.
Discerning readers of Rousseau will find a number of flaws in his logic, especially in his greatest book, "The Social Contract". He was broad-minded enough to realize that his was not the final word on government. "I ought throughout to have kept to a more limited sphere", he admits at the close of his book. Still, this genius was an eloquent proponent of modern democracy.
The Urdu translation of Rousseau, published by Book Home, 46 Mozang Road, Lahore is a worthy effort of both the translator and publisher to help students of political science at postgraduate level in Urdu medium educational institutions in fully comprehending the philosophy of one of the greatest Western political thinkers. It will also be a good addition to the libraries of colleges and universities in the country.
Comments
Comments are closed.