| Authorship Notes |
Chronologically the first among the dissertations that were submitted for the Lyon contest on travels. The jury considered it not entirely without merits, but focussing too little on question of travel, and too much on general criticisms of education. The author repeats accepted opinions on travel's merits: it allows the traveller to overcome national prejudices, and even the tiniest elements of observation may bring fruits for the traveller who is collecting knowledge like bees collect honey. The dissertation praises a 'natural' method for conducting travels, although fails to develop what this means. The idea of a 'natural method' is a clear reference to Rousseau's pedagogy, but goes against his opinions in the choice of the appropriate moment. It suggests that if travel comes in the moment of a nascent passion (as in 'Emile'), it will always remain a sacrifice, and not a useful practice. |
