Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, (✦June 28, 1712 – †July 2, 1778) was a Genevan philosopher.

In 1782, Jean-Jacques Rousseau published his Confessions, one of the first major autobiographies. In this book, he tells the reader of his need to be spanked in order to become sexually aroused. He tells how he was sent off at the age of eight to attend school, and boarded with a minister and his sister, Miss Lambercier. This lady assumed in loco parentis responsibilities for the boy. He describes her as a very loving and affectionate woman who nevertheless frequently used corporal punishment.

"As Miss Lambercier felt a mother's affection, she sometimes exerted a mother's authority, even to inflicting on us when we deserved it, the punishment of infants. She had often threatened it, and this threat of a treatment entirely new, appeared to me extremely dreadful; but I found the reality much less terrible than the idea, and what is still more unaccountable, this punishment increased my affection for the person who had inflicted it. All this affection, aided by my natural mildness, was scarcely sufficient to prevent my seeking, by fresh offenses, a return of the same chastisement; for a degree of sensuality had mingled with the smart and shame, which left more desire than fear of a repetition. I was well convinced the same discipline from her brother would have produced a quite contrary effect; but from a man of his disposition this was not probable, and if I abstained from meriting correction it was merely from a fear of offending Miss Lambercier, for benevolence, aided by the passions, has ever maintained an empire over me which has given law to my heart.

This event, which, though desirable, I had not endeavored to accelerate, arrived without my fault; I should say, without my seeking; and I profited by it with a safe conscience; but this second, was also the last time, for Miss Lambercier, who doubtless had some reason to imagine this chastisement did not produce the desired effect, declared it was too fatiguing, and that she renounced it for the future. Till now we had slept in her chamber, and during the winter, even in her bed; but two days after another room was prepared for us, and from that moment I had the honor (which I could very well have dispensed with) of being treated by her as a great boy.

Who would believe this childish discipline, received at eight years old, from the hands of a woman of thirty, should influence my propensities, my desires, my passions, for the rest of my life, and that is quite a contrary sense from what might naturally have been expected?" - Rousseau, Confessions

Rousseau, effectively, was the first person to "come out" as a spankophile and a sadomasochist.

More information is available at [ Wikipedia:Confessions (Jean-Jacques Rousseau) ]

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