Confessions

About “Confessions”

Rousseau wrote an autobiographical work in 1782 in which he claims to present an unprecedented example of a man, himself, in his true nature. He states that he is unlike any other person he has known or seen, and he believes he is unique in his character. He promises to reveal his thoughts and actions honestly, without hiding anything bad or adding anything good. He admits to using some artistic license due to poor memory but insists he never claimed something false. He describes himself as both good and bad, depending on the situation, and asks others to examine their own hearts with the same honesty. The work was published in 1782.