Rameau's Nephew, or the Second Satire

Book excerpt: A new translation of Denis Diderot's 1776 Rameau's Nephew, or the Second Satire from the original German manuscript into American English. The only surviving copy of Diderot's original French-language printinng of Rameau's Nephew is Goethe's translation. Hence, this is translated from the German. This edition contains an afterword by the translator on Diderot's philosophic legacy, a timeline of his works and life, and a glossary of philosophic terminology utilized in his works. Like many of Diderot's best works, "Rameau's Nephew" was not printed during his lifetime. The manuscript came to St. Petersburg, where Goethe's boyhood friend Klinger discovered it; it reached Schiller, who asked Goethe to translate it. An adventurously beautiful and cool text - and Goethe's most ingenious and interesting translation work. This is considered one of Diderot's most influential works, showcasing his mastery of satire and his ability to provoke thought and reflection on societal norms and values. It is a dialogue between two characters, the narrator and Rameau's nephew, discussing various topics including art, society, and morality. The work offers a satirical critique of the French society of the time, exposing its contradictions and hypocrisy. Diderot uses the character of Rameau's nephew to challenge social conventions and question the notions of success, morality, and genius. The work had a profound impact on subsequent literary and philosophical movements, with Friedrich Nietzsche regarding it as a work of genius and Immanuel Kant expressing his admiration for its wit and sharp social critique. "Rameau's Nephew" is considered one of Diderot's most influential works, showcasing his mastery of satire and his ability to provoke thought and reflection on societal norms and values. Denis Diderot is a critical figure of the Enlightenment who receives little attention from modern day philosophers. Diderot lived in the shadow of Rousseau and Volatire, whom he knew and worked with. Denis Diderot is a critical figure of the Enlightenment who receives little attention from modern day philosophers. Diderot lived in the shadow of Rousseau and Volatire, whom he knew and worked with.