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Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
40(40%)
4 stars
37(37%)
3 stars
22(22%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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99 reviews
July 15,2025
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Better late for book club than never. Rousseau's work is truly ambitious. However, all that came to my mind was Steven Pinker's The Blank Slate. Among other topics, it disputes the fallacy of the noble savage. Rousseau描绘了一幅在没有社会的自我意识和自我比较的环境中成长的原始人类的画面。他鼓励人们独立于既定的文学或社会礼仪去思考和解决问题。仅仅由个人需求驱动,并且思考那个人可能是谁,这是一项有价值的练习。我喜欢卢梭试图将我们从社会继承的东西(与他人竞争并超越他人的需求)与我们的本性(在我看来有点过于伊甸园式和乐观)区分开来的方式。


Book V, on the other hand, was a textbook course in misogyny. It really brought down some of what he had built up to that point. The fact that he dropped this and the social contract in the same year and both got banned, I think, is more indicative of the achievement of this work than the shortcomings we're only able to perceive because of the (r)evolution this helped bring. It shows that his ideas were so revolutionary that they couldn't be ignored, even if some of them were controversial.

July 15,2025
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The text presents a wide range of ideas and perspectives. It begins by discussing the concept of the noblest virtues being negative and the difficulties associated with them. It then delves into various topics such as education, the role of the middle class, and the relationship between the rich and the poor. The author also questions the meaning and value of virtues, and wonders if the noblest virtue is self-sacrifice.

The text further explores issues such as the impact of the frontal lobe on behavior, the fairness of taxes, and the relationship between work and idleness. It presents different maxims related to pity and the nature of society. Additionally, it touches on topics such as the French Revolution, the importance of order, and the education of girls.

Overall, the text is a complex and thought-provoking exploration of various philosophical, social, and educational ideas. It challenges the reader to think deeply about these issues and consider different perspectives.



However, the text could benefit from more organization and clarity. Some of the ideas are presented in a rather disjointed manner, making it difficult for the reader to follow the author's train of thought. Additionally, the use of some technical terms and references could be explained more clearly to make the text more accessible to a wider audience.



Despite these shortcomings, the text offers many interesting insights and ideas that are worth further exploration. It encourages the reader to question their own beliefs and assumptions, and to consider new ways of thinking about the world around them.



In conclusion, the text is a valuable contribution to the fields of philosophy, sociology, and education. It provides a starting point for further discussion and research, and has the potential to inspire new ideas and perspectives.



July 15,2025
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Blegh. Just Blegh. I'm really not a fan of Rousseau.

When we look at the philosophers of the 17th - 18th century, for me, it's all about John Locke. In my opinion, he is a much more concise and interesting author.

I kind of blame Rousseau's Frenchness. Lol. Maybe it's something in the cultural background that makes his works less appealing to me.

Also, there's the fact that the children who were raised according to Rousseau's mandates for Emile turned out horribly. It's quite a strange thing to think about.

One would assume that following such a well-known philosopher's ideas on education would lead to good results, but apparently not in this case.

It makes me wonder if there are flaws in Rousseau's overall philosophy that we might not be fully aware of.

Maybe we should take a closer look at his works and try to understand why things went wrong with the upbringing of those children.

Overall, I still prefer the ideas and writings of John Locke over Rousseau.
July 15,2025
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The fifth part was rather mediocre.

The first four parts were excellent. I think that if one day I have a child, I can get very good help from these parts for his upbringing.

It's important to note that having well-written and useful materials like these can be extremely beneficial for the growth and development of a child.

Parents always strive to provide the best for their children, and resources such as these can play a significant role in achieving that goal.

Whether it's for teaching values, imparting knowledge, or simply providing entertainment, the right materials can make a world of difference.

So, I will definitely keep these parts in mind and make good use of them when the time comes.
July 15,2025
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In a course that I took, the professor once made a rather interesting statement. He said that a man had written to Rousseau 10 years after Rousseau wrote "Emile". This man claimed that he had raised his son in exactly the same way as Rousseau had raised the imaginary Emile in his book. Rousseau's response was quite remarkable. He wrote back and said, "I feel sorry for you, but more sorry for your son."

This story really knocked me on my ass. It made me think deeply about the power and influence of books. Isn't this exactly what books are supposed to do? They are supposed to make us think, question, and even change our perspectives. And in this case, Rousseau's words had a profound impact on me.

That's why I would rate this experience with a full five stars. It was a moment of enlightenment and self-reflection that I will always remember. It just goes to show how a simple story or a few words from a book can have a lasting impact on our lives.
July 15,2025
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This is not a book that I would claim one would desire to read for pure enjoyment.

Rather, it seemed more like a "how to" manual on the art of raising a young man.

I continuously found myself wondering why the author believed he held the answer to every aspect of life.

In the past, I assume people might have regarded this type of book as a significant piece of writing.

However, in today's context, it is just so-so.

The content may have been relevant and valuable in a bygone era, but it fails to capture the essence and complexity of modern life.

Perhaps the author's perspective was limited by the time and circumstances in which he wrote.

Nonetheless, it is important to approach such books with a critical eye and consider their applicability in the present day.

Overall, while it may have had some merit in its time, this book does not hold the same appeal or significance for today's readers.

July 15,2025
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Bloom's twenty-six-page introduction alone is worth the cover price of this classic.

Interestingly, my public library does not own it and had to fulfill my request through inter-library loan, highlighting the economic realities of these times.

It is enlightening to read that this exploration of human nature and education was never meant to be an instruction manual. In fact, when used as such, it leads to catastrophic results. We must remember that this work was created before Piaget's pioneering studies of childhood and the child. Undoubtedly, it caused quite a stir when it first emerged! Its impact, no doubt, will never be fully measured.

I am glad that I already had some passing familiarity with Rousseau, but this work has made me eager to read more about him, his times, and his contemporary philosophers and writers.

Here is a quote from Rousseau's preface that I would like to share:

"Propose what can be done," they never stop repeating to me. It is as if I were told, "Propose doing what is done," or at least, "Propose some good which can be allied with the existing evil." Such a project, in certain matters, is much more chimerical than mine. For in this alliance, the good is spoiled, and the evil is not cured. I would prefer to follow the established practice in everything than to follow a good one halfway. There would be less contradiction in man. He cannot pursue two opposite goals at the same time.
July 15,2025
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This book is truly saturated with outdated sexism.

However, setting that aside, I find myself in agreement with a significant number of Rousseau's arguments.

The main points that resonate with me are freedom, happiness, necessity, and experience.

In simple terms, the idea is that Emile should be allowed to grow up freely, without being spoiled or overly influenced by external forces.

He should learn not just within the confines of a classroom but through the ordinary events and experiences of everyday life.

This approach to education and personal development seems to hold great potential for fostering a more well-rounded and independent individual.

By emphasizing freedom and learning from experience, Rousseau offers a refreshing perspective that challenges the traditional notions of education and upbringing.

While the sexism in the book is a glaring flaw, it is still possible to extract valuable insights from his other ideas.

Perhaps by carefully considering and adapting these concepts, we can create a more inclusive and progressive educational system that better meets the needs of all students.

July 15,2025
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An interesting book about the upbringing of a boy, Emile, according to Rousseau's philosophy. Although it is about education, there is much more of a cultural critique of the peasantry versus the bourgeoisie within it. It makes you think about whether life isn't better if we live it as purely as possible - without cities, without books, without learned duties and artificial norms and etiquette. The book contains so many more layers than I initially thought. The Landmkerk course was essential to understand the depth and also to better explore the romanticism and see it reflected in our current society. It challenges our preconceived notions about what is important in life and makes us question the values that we have been taught. By presenting an alternative vision of upbringing and life, Rousseau forces us to consider whether we are truly living in a way that is fulfilling and meaningful.

July 15,2025
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Raising children in the French style with the brilliance of the eighteenth century


The book regarding women has a bad positioning at first, but for the first book I read in the field of child education and upbringing, it was quite good. Raise your little girls with the inspiration from this book.


This book offers valuable insights into the French approach to child-rearing during the eighteenth century. It provides a unique perspective on how children were raised, educated, and socialized in that era. The French style of parenting emphasized discipline, etiquette, and the development of good character. By following the principles and practices described in the book, parents can hope to raise their children to be well-mannered, confident, and successful individuals.


Overall, this book is a great resource for anyone interested in learning about different parenting styles and how to raise children in a positive and nurturing environment. It is highly recommended for parents, educators, and anyone else who is involved in the lives of children.

July 15,2025
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In my opinion, the book can be found on the blog https://triinuraamatud.wordpress.com/.... This blog seems to be a valuable resource for book lovers. It might offer in-depth reviews, summaries, and discussions about various books.

By visiting this blog, one can explore different literary works and gain new perspectives. The specific link provided likely leads to a detailed post about the book in question.

It could include information about the author, the plot, the themes, and perhaps even some personal insights from the blogger.

This kind of online platform allows for the sharing of knowledge and ideas among a community of readers. It can be a great way to discover new books and engage in meaningful conversations about literature.

Overall, the blog appears to be a promising place to find interesting and thought-provoking books.
July 15,2025
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Here lies the grave of my dignity.

It is a solemn and sorrowful place, where my once-proud dignity has been laid to rest. The memories of its decline and fall still haunt me, like shadows that refuse to fade away.

I can recall the moments when I stood tall, with my dignity intact. But then, circumstances changed, and I found myself facing challenges that I could not overcome. One by one, the blows rained down, chipping away at my self-esteem and pride.

Now, as I stand before this grave, I feel a sense of loss and emptiness. My dignity, once a precious possession, is now just a memory. But perhaps, in its death, I can find the strength to rise again and rebuild what has been lost. Maybe, just maybe, I can find a new kind of dignity that is stronger and more resilient than the one that lies buried here.
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