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Reveries of the Solitary Walker
Reveries of the Solitary Walker | Jean-Jacques Rousseau
7 posts | 10 read | 12 to read
'These hours of solitude and meditation are the only time of the day when I am completely myself' Reveries of the Solitary Walker is Rousseau's last great work, the product of his final years of exile from the society that condemned his political and religious views. Returning to Paris the philosopher determines to keep a faithful record of the thoughts and ideas that come to him on his perambulations. Part reminiscence, part reflection, enlivened by anecdote and encounters, the Reveries form a kind of sequel to his Confessions, but they are more introspective and less defensive: Rousseau finds happiness in solitude, walks in nature, botanizing, and meditation. Writing an account of his walks becomes a means of achieving self-knowledge and safeguarding for himself the pleasure that others, he is convinced, seek to deny him. The Reveries, shaped by the unmediated nature of Rousseau's thought processes, give powerfully lyrical expression to a painfully tortured soul in search of peace. This new translation is accompanied by an introduction and notes that explore the nature of the work and its historical, literary, and intellectual contexts. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
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AshleyHoss820
Reveries of the Solitary Walker | Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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Pickpick

What I love about this is that there are literal centuries separating me from Rousseau, yet so many of his musings were surprisingly relatable. Is he a bit of a drama queen & kinda whiny? Yeah, but I think he was going through it. Some of his writing made me think he had anxiety because I do & boy have I said some of the same things. Anyway, books like this remind me why I read: to see through someone else‘s eyes. 223/1,001 #1001Books

BarbaraBB Fantastic review. I want to read this book NOW 😀 1y
AshleyHoss820 @BarbaraBB 😂 Thank you!! I just went along for the ride on this one! Im glad I read the introduction too. I might have been annoyed with him if I wasn‘t aware that he was at the end of his life and feeling a little isolated. I hope you enjoy it! ☺️ 1y
AshleyHoss820 This was my #BookSpin for November! @TheAromaofBooks 1y
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Robotswithpersonality
Reveries of the Solitary Walker | Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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Mehso-so

Reveries? Yes. Solitary? Definitely. Walker? Not so much. [Oops thought it was about walking!] Rousseau bounces between self-critical and self-aggrandizing, between relatable nature-lover and misogynist twit who is clumsy in acknowledging his class privilege. His last years as a social pariah cast a 'woe is me' pall over the work, though occasionally I recognize the same relief in solitude he relates. Some good points about joy, generosity.

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eldiaquemeodies
Reveries Du Promeneur Solitaire | Jean Jacques Rousseau
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Pickpick

The latest masterpiece of Jean Jacques Rousseau.

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DrSabrinaMoldenReads
Reveries of the Solitary Walker | Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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Pickpick

In my view, this is philosophical writing regarding soul-searching at its finest. I love such books of self-examination, of people trying to make sense of themselves and human nature. Plus, I found much of his wisdom to be personally helpful and unforgettable, captured in my book journal, filled with notes. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

#1001Books

MrBook Ah, one I remember fondly! I must re-read it! Thank you for the reminder! 5y
DrSabrinaMoldenReads You are surely welcome @MrBook 5y
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DrSabrinaMoldenReads
Reveries of the Solitary Walker | Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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I think I am going to remain in my philosophical reading mood for a bit longer. 🤓

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Chittavrtti
Reveries of the Solitary Walker | Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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After completing Carlyle's, The French Revolution, I found this in a local used bookstore. Angst and feeling the world is against you are not limited to teenage years nor modern times it seems. Fortunately for Rousseau nature was always available.

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GoneFishing
Reveries of the Solitary Walker | Jean-Jacques Rousseau

I have never thought, for my part, that man's freedom consists in his being able to do whatever he wills, but that he should not, by any human power, be forced to do what is against his will.

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