Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 97 votes)
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97 reviews
July 15,2025
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Rosseau’s ideas are truly abhorrent to me, far more so than Hobbes.

The reason is that while Hobbes goes to great lengths to explain his rather unappealing and even fascistic ideas openly, Rosseau is much more insidious. He hides his fascistic tendencies within seemingly wishy-washy pro-democracy text.

It is astonishing that he would justify dictatorships in certain contexts. How can that be? Moreover, he believes that power is best concentrated in just one or two people. What kind of a concept is that?

When compared, Hobbes appears less fascistic. At least he has to include at least twenty pages of disclaimers emphasizing that everyone is equal under the law and that everyone is held accountable.

Under this perspective, some of Rosseau’s most philanthropic writing can even be seen as populist. I would be very interested to see a true Rosseau fan attempt to defend him. But, sorry, my friend, it just doesn’t work for me. In fact, he makes Hobbes look positively great.

July 15,2025
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First discourse is truly amazing.

It is not only insightful but also presents a unique perspective that is completely unexpected. The ideas put forward in the first discourse have the power to challenge our preconceived notions and expand our intellectual horizons.

It makes us think deeply about various aspects of a particular subject or issue, and forces us to reevaluate our own beliefs and opinions.

The unexpected nature of the first discourse adds an element of excitement and intrigue, making it all the more captivating.

We are drawn in by the novelty of the ideas and the way they are presented, and we cannot help but be influenced by the discourse.

Overall, the first discourse is a remarkable piece of work that has the potential to have a profound impact on our thinking and understanding.
July 15,2025
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I read just the essay on the source of inequality.

It's truly fascinating to observe that so many of the arguments being put forth today in the realm of politics have already been expounded upon by Rousseau.

Rousseau's insights seem to have anticipated many of the contemporary discussions and debates.

His ideas on inequality offer a valuable perspective that can still be relevant and thought-provoking in the modern context.

By examining his work, we can gain a deeper understanding of the roots and nature of inequality, and perhaps even draw some lessons for addressing the issues that persist in our society today.

It is remarkable how his words from centuries ago can still have such a profound impact on our thinking and analysis.

Overall, reading this essay has been a rewarding experience that has opened my eyes to the enduring significance of Rousseau's contributions to the study of inequality.

July 15,2025
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The Social Contract ★★★★☆


A Discourse on The Arts and Sciences ★★★☆☆


A Discourse on The Origin of Inequality ★★★★☆


A Discourse on Political Economy ★★★☆☆




Note: It is loathsomely interesting, yet perhaps unsurprising. Even a man like Rousseau, who passionately asserted with all his intellectual acumen that slaves are created by convention and vehemently championed the right of liberty and equality, failed to apply the same faculty of reasoning to women. He essentially declared that they are females and not part of'man', thereby excluding them from those rights. In a sense, isn't this worse than those who believed that men are unequal? It shows a blatant contradiction in his otherwise profound philosophical ideas. While he fought for justice and equality in one aspect, he unjustly denied it to half of the human population. This reveals a flaw in his thinking that undermines the universality of his claims. It makes one question the true extent of his commitment to equality and forces us to reevaluate his works in a more critical light.

July 15,2025
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Wonderful how 250 years ago all these ideas were already worked out.

The enlightenment was indeed a revolution. It brought about significant changes in various aspects of society.

But clearly, Rousseau saw the limits of science, arts, equality, and government. In his piece on the social contract, he delved deep into the examination of Roman government and also discussed the role of religions. However, he went into somewhat too much detail about Rome, getting sidetracked in an overview of Roman governments and statistics.

Surprisingly, his views on government are directly visible in today's nations and their rulers. This holds true for countries like the Netherlands, France, GB, USA, China, and Russia. It is remarkable how his ideas from so long ago still have relevance and can be observed in the governance structures and policies of modern nations.

His work serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the continuous exploration of different ideas to shape a better society.
July 15,2025
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This statement implies that initially, it might be a bit of a challenge to make it through. However, despite the initial difficulty, it is still very much worthwhile to read.

Perhaps the content is complex or presented in a way that requires careful thought and concentration. But once you persevere and push through that initial tough phase, you will discover the value and importance of what is being said.

It could be a profound piece of literature, a thought-provoking academic paper, or even a challenging self-help book. The key is to not give up easily and to recognize that the effort put in will be rewarded with new knowledge, perspectives, and insights.

So, even if it seems tough at first, don't be deterred. Keep reading, and you will find that it was indeed worth the effort.
July 15,2025
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This was really cool and interesting.

It was not only cool in its nature but also extremely interesting. The topic was so engaging that it was truly a pleasure to delve into and discuss it in class.

During the class discussion, we explored various aspects of it, sharing our different perspectives and ideas.

It opened up a whole new world of knowledge and understanding for us.

The more we delved into it, the more intrigued we became.

It was like uncovering a hidden treasure chest of interesting facts and concepts.

The class was filled with excitement and enthusiasm as we engaged in this fascinating discussion.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience that left a lasting impression on us.

We all looked forward to more such interesting topics to explore and discuss in the future.
July 15,2025
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Friedrich Nietzsche was a highly influential philosopher known for his unique and often controversial ideas.

He was not one to conform to traditional norms or ways of thinking. Nietzsche's works challenged the status quo and encouraged readers to question and reevaluate their beliefs.

In an essay competition, one could potentially "shitpost" in a Nietzschean style by presenting bold and unorthodox arguments.

For example, instead of taking a typical stance on a given topic, one could explore the underlying assumptions and expose their flaws.

Nietzsche believed in the power of the individual and the importance of creating one's own values.

Applying this to an essay competition, one could break free from the constraints of conventional wisdom and offer a fresh perspective.

However, it's important to note that while Nietzsche's ideas can be inspiring, they also require careful consideration and critical thinking.

Shittingposting in an essay competition should not be done simply for the sake of being controversial, but rather as a means of exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

By emulating Nietzsche's spirit of intellectual curiosity and independence, one may be able to create an essay that stands out and makes a lasting impression.
July 15,2025
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Makes me doubt if it’s right for us abandoning natural liberty than choosing social contract.

This question has been lingering in my mind. How far and to which degree we human being should develop to?

It seems that there is no clear answer. I like the part of the discourse about art, science and moral.

It really overturned my thoughts as arts and science are always considered good.

However, after reading this, I started to think that maybe there are some hidden problems or negative aspects that we haven't noticed before.

Maybe the development of art and science also has its limitations and side effects.

We need to look at these issues more comprehensively and objectively, and not simply take them for granted.

Only in this way can we make more rational choices and decisions about our future development.

July 15,2025
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I also didn't really read this.

However, it was more interesting than Hobbes and Locke, so yay!

This statement implies that although the person didn't fully engage with the text, they still found it more captivating compared to the works of Hobbes and Locke.

Perhaps the subject matter or the writing style of this particular piece appealed to them in a way that the others didn't.

It could be that the ideas presented were more新颖 or relevant to their current interests.

Even without a thorough reading, the initial impression was positive enough to elicit a sense of excitement or approval.

This shows that sometimes, a quick glance or a partial understanding can still reveal the potential value or charm of a piece of writing.

It makes one wonder what further discoveries and insights could be gained if a more in-depth exploration were to take place.

Overall, it's a pleasant surprise to find something that stands out and piques one's curiosity in the realm of literature or academic study.
July 15,2025
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In a sense, Rousseau was astonishingly avant-garde for his era. Even in the present day, we are still lacking the essential elements required to fully understand the concept of a politically correct structure.

Although contemporary politics ostensibly mirror Rousseau's convictions regarding the social contract, upon closer examination, what we have constructed is merely a façade, a rather pathetic approximation of the true potential of the political structure that Rousseau expounds upon.

Moreover, the language employed in this book truly romanticizes the tedium of politics.

In conclusion, it is indeed a rather good read. If you have absolutely no interest in politics, give this book a try. It might just open your eyes to a new perspective on the often complex and convoluted world of political thought.

You may find that Rousseau's ideas, though revolutionary for his time, still hold relevance and can offer valuable insights into the nature of politics and society.

So, don't be deterred by the subject matter. Pick up this book and embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment.
July 15,2025
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It has been a busy two weeks.

Finally, last night, I had a bit of time to read and managed to finish this classic.

The book offers timeless insights on the relationship between the government, representatives, and the people.

It delves deep into how the government should function, how representatives should fulfill their duties, and how the people should be involved in the political process.

These insights are as relevant today as they were when the book was first written.

They provide a valuable perspective on the importance of a healthy and democratic society.

Reading this classic has not only broadened my knowledge but also made me think more deeply about the role of each individual in shaping our nation.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in politics, government, or social issues.

It is a must-read for those who want to understand the complex dynamics between the government, representatives, and the people.
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