Rousseau

Walking is widely known to be a way of reflecting, and in incidents of even deeper self examination of self, it can take the form of meditation. Simple contemplation will most definitely lead one to think on the most pressing matters in one’s life. This can also include the things that weigh a person down. Walking gives space in his mind to dwell on what seems to be his most difficult hardship in life which is his seemingly one sided battle against the unspecified multitude of people who feel the need to attack Rousseau’s character. What his enemies do specifically that hurts him is not explained much past them being “automatons who acted only on impulse.” People can only “calculate through the laws of motion,” meaning that he does not understand them. This may have to do with his discontent with people. He does not know how to read them and therefore misinterprets his situations.

Interestingly, despite his constant unhappiness, he feels that he is better for the torment his enemies put him through. As lonely as he is, he would not exchange situations with someone who enjoys an easier existence. It is not unusual that he would feel stronger because of his troubled past. In situations where a person has actually had a hard time in life, they are more resilient than those who have not. Rousseau’s claim however, is more of a case of self pity than surviving against all odds. His confusion between the two indicates that the people he accuses may not be as interested in him as he thinks that they are.

Even with his inaccurate picture of people, he brings up a thought-provoking idea about effective actions versus evil intent. He seems to have come across people that have attempted to do ill towards him is just as bad as if the effort had been successful. Importance is placed on the intentions the person has. Even while he is deep in his depression he has the mental capacity to make some logical connections. The same is true of good aims that turn poor. The person is usually not faulted because unfavorable circumstances were not planned upon. Rousseau claims that he finds calm and peace in his sadness. This is very likely a coping mechanism or a result of him becoming used to being sad. If a person believes that they are always the victim of some kind then they are likely to resort to dwelling in that space all of the time. It hurts less to get your hopes up. Rollercoaster emotions are troublesome to manage. The problem is that he probably has these feelings unnecessarily since there is no evidence of anyone purposely taking action to hurt him.