A Solitary Walker's Reflections (Illustrated Edition)

Author: (French) Rousseau
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: In this book, Rousseau, who has experienced the vicissitudes of life, finally rises a "sweet and profound fantasy" through conversations with nature. In this work, we do not see a Rousseau overwhelmed by life's disasters and solitude, but rather a Rousseau who rekindles the tranquility and sweetness of life in nature. Discarding the greed and superficiality of high society, he begins to deeply examine his own soul; unwilling to hold a "position that is fundamentally unsuitable for me," he starts copying musical scores for payment per page. He "is lost in the charm of nature, lost in thought in a profound silence, occasionally broken only by the screech of eagles, the chirping of birds, and the roar of rushing mountain streams." In this complete silence, Rousseau truly feels his own existence. In this sense of fulfillment and tranquility, the life of Rousseau also shines with a brilliant light. In his later years, Rousseau finally learns to transcend worldly concerns, just as he himself had hoped, his life completely immersed in happiness. It is precisely because of his innocence that his later life can radiate a brilliant glow in the embrace of nature.