Jacob Vernes

This chapter highlights Jean-Jacques Rousseau's letter to Jacob Vernes on May 25, 1758. Rousseau begins the letter by expressing his desire to strengthen their friendship and that he looks forward to Vernes's visit. He then addresses Vernes's objections to the contents of his previous letter, telling Vernes that “for a man convinced of the immortality of the soul you give too much value to the goods and evils of this life.” Rousseau talks about Providence and the conscience, before reminding Vernes that he's the one attacking and Rousseau was only defending himself. Finally, he mentions Antoine-Jacques Roustan, who wrote Critical Examination of the Four Golden Ages of Voltaire and declared himself to be Rousseau's disciple.