Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Milestones
Birth
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born in Geneva, Switzerland, to Isaac Rousseau and Suzanne Bernard.
Mother's death
His mother died nine days after his birth.
Father's exile
His father fled Geneva after a legal dispute, leaving Rousseau in the care of relatives.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticed to an engraver, then left Geneva after disputes.
Conversion to Catholicism
Converted to Catholicism in Turin, Italy, after leaving Geneva.
Relationship with Madame de Warens
Lived with and was mentored by Madame de Warens in Savoy and Chambéry.
Moved to Paris
Moved to Paris, where he began his literary and musical career.
Relationship with Thérèse Levasseur
Began a lifelong relationship with Thérèse Levasseur, with whom he had several children.
First opera performed
His opera 'Les Muses galantes' was performed in Paris.
Published 'Discourse on the Arts and Sciences'
Published his first major philosophical work, winning the Academy of Dijon prize.
Published 'Discourse on the Origin of Inequality'
Published 'Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men.'
Published 'Julie, or the New Heloise'
Published the novel 'Julie, or the New Heloise,' achieving great popular success.
Published 'Emile'
Published 'Emile, or On Education,' a treatise on education.
Published 'The Social Contract'
Published 'The Social Contract,' a foundational text of political philosophy.
Condemned and exiled
Condemned by French and Swiss authorities; fled to Switzerland, then England, living in exile.
Return to France
Returned to France and lived in relative obscurity, continuing to write.
Death
Jean-Jacques Rousseau died in Ermenonville, France.
Published 'Confessions'
Completed his autobiographical work 'Confessions' (published posthumously).