I usually have a penchant for biographies that center around Supreme Court justices or presidents.

So, this particular read was indeed a refreshing change.

I have a deep love for delving into Rousseau's work, and this book provided an excellent opportunity to gain a more in-depth understanding of the man himself.

However, it must be noted that Rousseau might not necessarily come across as a highly likable or inspiring figure.

Despite this, the exploration of his life and ideas through this biography was still a fascinating journey.

It allowed me to see the various aspects of his personality and the events that shaped his thoughts and beliefs.

Overall, it was a worthwhile read that added a new dimension to my knowledge and appreciation of Rousseau and his contributions.

It is truly a challenging task to review this book without an inclination to critique Rousseau rather than the biographer.

My reaction to Rousseau's life was one of annoyance, which stands in stark contrast to my appreciation of his obvious genius in Reveries of a Solitary Walker. I must confess that I initially thought the book was rather lackluster.

However, as the story of Rousseau neared its end, time seemed to accelerate, and the biographer managed to redeem himself, despite not having performed poorly in the first place.

In the latter portions of the book, the comparison with Benjamin Franklin is outstanding and provides a chronological perspective on the Old and New Worlds.

Now, I feel compelled to read the Confessions and compare it to Franklin's Autobiography in order to make sense of this account of Rousseau's life.

I must admit that I had higher expectations of the man, but he did not create the posthumous legend, and he cannot be blamed any more than the biographer can be blamed for Rousseau's habits that annoyed me to such a degree that it took me nearly two years to complete the book.

Perhaps a more in-depth exploration of his works and life will help me to better understand and appreciate the complex figure that was Rousseau.

This book and I have completed a no-fault divorce. I was not the reader the book thought I was, and it was not the book I thought it was, and that's fine. We're both okay with it.

I had expected to gain more insights about the 'genius,' but this book seemed more intent on presenting the 'restless' side. Damrosch's non-fiction prose is indeed perfect, clear and engaging. He vividly描绘s Rousseau's times and his personality, the houses he lived in and the women he loved (if that's the right word). He throws in a bit of humor but is generally sympathetic. Before reading this, I had no idea that JJR was essentially a picaro, which makes me reevaluate many 18th-century novels. Maybe all those wanderings weren't just plot devices but a true reflection of how many people lived their lives?

However, the book completely failed to explore Rousseau's ideas in any depth. What I really wanted to read about was the great contradiction in his thought: that society should be a contract among people who are unsocialized and thus incapable of making contracts. This is one of the major philosophical conundrums of modernity, but this book... well, it doesn't even mention it.

I thought we could make it work, but perhaps this breakup is for the best. You're quite charming, "Restless Genius," but you don't have the personality I initially thought you had.

500 well-written biographical pages of an original thinker.

This book is truly a gem. It offers a fascinating insight into the life and mind of an individual who has made significant contributions to their field.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting the subject's ideas and experiences in a clear and engaging manner.

There are so many passages in this book that I wanted to underline, as they contain profound wisdom and thought-provoking concepts.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the life and work of an original thinker.

It is not only informative but also inspiring, and it will leave you with a deeper understanding of the human mind and the power of ideas.

Whether you are a student, a researcher, or simply a curious reader, this book is sure to captivate your attention and expand your horizons.

So, don't miss out on this opportunity to discover the remarkable life and ideas of an original thinker.

Grab a copy of this book today and start your journey of exploration and discovery.

An engaging biography presents a captivating exploration of Rousseau's life and thought.

The author astutely highlights the remarkable originality of Rousseau's ideas, which do not conform to a traditional philosophical system or the result of systematic research. Instead, they are composed of reflections on various issues and topics that piqued his interest or that he felt obligated to investigate. He developed novel and lasting perspectives on almost every subject he delved into. For instance, "Emile" continues to be the starting point for any progressive theory of education. Even Freud recognized that psychoanalysis had its roots in Rousseau. Moreover, Rousseau is credited with inventing the modern autobiography, and the list goes on.

The author further examines the pattern of Rousseau's life and his approach to the world, which facilitated and maintained his independent mindset, the very essence of his originality. This includes his pursuit of solitude, his unwavering rejection of patronage, and his refusal to enter into any relationship that demanded or even hinted at a need to sacrifice authenticity and personal autonomy. Undoubtedly, this was an extremely challenging way to live. However, Rousseau conceded that living any other way was simply out of the question.

Overall, this biography offers a comprehensive and enlightening look at Rousseau's life and contributions, shedding light on the factors that shaped his unique perspective and enduring influence.