Reviews
Just as Rousseau interpreted and reconstructed his own life, I too interpreted and reconstructed Rousseau’s system of thought. In doing so, I discarded much and took only a part of it.
Ultimately, Rousseau moves toward the moral individual. This is also the conclusion of *Emile*. The overarching framework of Rousseau’s thought—the opposition between the social state and the state of nature—is effectively settled by an awkward reconciliation of that conflict. Rousseau’s wanderings conclude by recommending a moral individual who “manifests his universal spirit and virtue in relationships with other individuals,” “marries and loves those close to him,” “respects his country,”
Tsubetan Todorov: Fleeting happiness
This book contains an essay on the modernity of Rousseau's thought. Existence changes, and love fades. As we age and change, the beings people cherished eventually disappear. In this way, happiness is ephemeral. The author, an outstanding interpreter of Rousseau's philosophy, has woven together philosophical contemplation, dispassionate analysis, and remedies regarding the "transience of happiness" through insightful analysis of the text. By interpreting and reconstructing Rousseau's ideas, this book examines whether he can provide answers to the problems we face today. Emphasizing that Rousseau discovered and invented modernity, the author states that the power of his thought becomes even clearer when one grasps the position he occupies within the framework of Western thought. Furthermore, the book offers a sharp analysis of the three paths Rousseau presents for humanity and provides detailed explanations thereof. As a guide to Rousseau’s thought that meticulously analyzes his works as a genius thinker and as a solitary individual, this book makes you realize that Rousseau remains a valid thinker in the 21st century.
Korean title: 덧없는 행복
Korean author: 츠베탕 토도로프
Korean publisher: 문학과지성사
ISBN-13: 9788932017266
Reviews
Just as Rousseau interpreted and reconstructed his own life, I too interpreted and reconstructed Rousseau’s system of thought. In doing so, I discarded much and took only a part of it.
Ultimately, Rousseau moves toward the moral individual. This is also the conclusion of *Emile*. The overarching framework of Rousseau’s thought—the opposition between the social state and the state of nature—is effectively settled by an awkward reconciliation of that conflict. Rousseau’s wanderings conclude by recommending a moral individual who “manifests his universal spirit and virtue in relationships with other individuals,” “marries and loves those close to him,” “respects his country,”
