Romanticism is a philosophical and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the sublime. Key ideas include:

1. Emotion over Reason: Prioritizes feelings, intuition, and imagination over rationalism and logic.
2. Nature: Reveres nature as a source of beauty, inspiration, and spiritual renewal.
3. Individualism: Celebrates personal freedom, self-expression, and the uniqueness of the individual.
4. The Sublime: Focuses on awe-inspiring, overwhelming experiences that transcend ordinary reality.
5. Critique of Industrialization: Often critiques the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and urbanization.

Thinkers like Rousseau and poets like Wordsworth and Shelley exemplify Romantic ideals.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) was a key Enlightenment thinker whose ideas deeply influenced Romanticism. His philosophy emphasized:

1. Natural Goodness: Humans are inherently good but corrupted by society and institutions.
2. Social Contract: Legitimate political authority arises from a collective agreement, not force or hierarchy.
3. Emotion and Intuition: Valued feelings and personal experience over cold rationality.
4. Critique of Civilization: Argued that progress and modernity often alienate individuals from their true nature.

Rousseau’s focus on emotion, nature, and individualism made him a precursor to Romanticism. Works like Emile and The Social Contract reflect these themes.