AUDIO BOOK

Julie or the New Héloïse

(1761)

Original title  Letters from two lovers, inhabitants of a small town at the foot of the Alps , La Nouvelle Héloïse  is inspired by the story of Héloïse  and of  Pierre Abélard, where amorous passion is overcome to give way to sublimated renunciation. Despite the kind  romantic  under which stands  La Nouvelle Héloïse , the work is steeped in a philosophical theory where Rousseau explores the moral values of autonomy and authenticity to give preference to this ethics of authenticity against rational moral principles. The accomplishment of what society demands will only be done in accordance with its own "  secret principles  » and to the feelings which constitute the deep identity. *