
Maurice Quentin de La Tour, "Portrait of Jean-Jacques Rousseau" (1712–1778), pastel on paper, 1753
10,607 words
Translated by Greg Johnson*
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) is a rather curious case in the history of ideas. After two centuries, he is still the object of truly passionate opinions (you either love him or you hate him), and few authors have given rise to as many contradictory interpretations. He is commonly seen as an inspiration for the French Revolution, but also as an influence on German nationalism. Read more …
Spiritual Authority & Temporal Power
Jacques-Louis David, “The Coronation of Napoleon,” 1907, detail
8,635 words
Translated by Jon Graham
Three authors considered as outstanding representatives of “traditionalist thought” turned their attention to the same doctrinal question. Read more …