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Birth
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born in Geneva, Switzerland. His mother died shortly after his birth. -
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Apprenticeship
Rousseau became apprenticed to his uncle, who was a lawyer, in 1724. He escaped this apprenticeship in 1728, in favor of exploring Switzerland, France, and Italy. -
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Tutoring at Lyons
During this time period, Rousseau became a tutor to the children of M. de Mably. He was unhappy with teaching and made for a poor tutor, so he moved to Paris after only a brief period of tutoring. -
First publication
Rousseau publishes his first work, the Dissertation on Modern Music. -
Discourse on Arts and Sciences
This is Rousseau's second published work. -
Return to Geneva
Rousseau returns to Geneva and regains his Genevan citizenship. -
Julie publication
Rousseau's novel is published by Marc-Michel Rey in Amsterdam. -
Publication of Social Contract and Emile
Two of Rousseau's works were published in 1762, and both of them were quite controversial. Social Contract was banned from France, and Emile was condemned by the Parliament. Both books were banned in Geneva, the Netherlands, and Bern. The banning of his books in Geneva caused Rousseau to renounce his Genevan citizenship. -
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Rousseau writes his most important works
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Death
Rousseau's death is caused by hemorrhage at the age of 66.