Amour-propre, or “self-love,” is a concept deeply explored by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, an 18th-century philosopher whose ideas have significantly influenced modern thought on society, education, and the human condition. Rousseau main insight of amour-propre is that he considers that is impossible to have self-esteem, without having external validation from others. In Rousseau’s philosophy, amour-propre represents a form of self-love that contrasts sharply with amour de soi, which refers to a more primitive form of self-love that pertains to basic self-preservation and well-being without regard to others. Amour-propre, on the other hand, is a kind of self-love that emerges only within societal contexts, where individuals compare themselves to others. It drives people to seek approval, recognition, and validation from their peers, leading to both positive outcomes, such as ambition and excellence, and negative consequences, including envy and shame.
Rousseau believed that amour-propre could be destructive. He argued that it was the source of individual unhappiness and social strife because it led people to value themselves not for their own intrinsic worth but through comparison with others. This dependency on external validation could lead to conflict, as people strive not just for personal gain but for superiority over others. Rousseau’s critique of modern society was largely based on this premise, where amour-propre was exacerbated by social inequalities and the emphasis on material wealth and social status.
However, Rousseau also acknowledged that amour-propre could be harnessed for the common good if aligned with the right social institutions and moral values. In a well-ordered society, where individuals’ desires and the general will are in harmony, amour-propre can motivate individuals to act with virtue and consideration for the welfare of others. It can encourage a kind of civic pride and responsibility, driving individuals to achieve not only for personal glory but for the benefit of their community.
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