August 29, 1768

Bourgoin, France

Jean-Jacques Rousseau married his long-time sweetheart, Thérèse Levasseur, this morning, after giving away all five of their children. The couple were thrilled to begin their married life together as newlyweds and empty-nesters.

But seriously…

May 20, 2024

Philospher Jean Jacques Rousseau abandoned all five of his children to a French foundling hospital (like a YMCA for unwanted children), the Enfants-Trouvés. Then, in 1768, he married their mother.

Source

Great Philosophers Who Failed at Love, Andrew Shaffer