On the Social Contract (Dover Thrift Editions) by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, G. D. Cole, G.D.H. Cole (Translator), Cole G. D. H. (Translator)

From the Publisher

"Man was born free, but everywhere he is in chains." Thus begins Rousseau's influential 1762 work, in which he argues that all government is fundamentally flawed and that modern society is based on a system of inequality. The philosopher proposes an alternative system for the development of self-governing, self-disciplined citizens.

Product Details

• ISBN: 0486426920
  
• ISBN-13: 9780486426921
• Format: Paperback, 112pp
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Pub. Date: February 2003
• Edition Description: Dover Thrift Editions Series
• Sales Rank: 21,168

• Table of Contents
• Interviews & Essays

Table of Contents

Interviews & Essays

Jim Brickman: I am great.

Jim Brickman: Thank you very much. I am thrilled to hear from people who play the piano. I started when I was 4 years old, and, frankly, I wasn't very good at your age either. I didn't start writing music until I was 16, and I wasn't sure I knew what I was doing. I just played from my heart and soul. I think it is very important to follow your heart and not to feel like you need to be further along than you really are. Just take it as it comes and let it flow.

Jim Brickman: I feel that my style has grown through the albums. At the core it will always be solo piano, but I feel that it is important to keep stretching and growing. I need to keep learning with my audience. I have always been a songwriter, so I love writing words and music. I felt that the combo of solo piano with added vocals gave a little something for everyone. I believe I am coming to Tampa in November at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Check the web site -- www.jimbrickman.com.

Jim Brickman: The best thing about being trained classically is the foundation and discipline it gives you. I try to think of my education as being sort of a platform to go on and do the thing that is really in your heart.

Jim Brickman: I think that it has a huge impact on the way music is sold and heard. I am a fan of MP3 because I believe that it reaches people who might not ordinarily find me.

Jim Brickman: I don't really mind labels of any kind because people make their own determination of what they like and what they don't. I don't think someone would not buy my record just because it is called "new age." I don't care what they call it -- as long as they buy it!

Jim Brickman: The inspiration for DESTINY really came from my own personal experience of ending up doing this for my career. I didn't have any idea that this would be happening to me. I always loved music and enjoyed playing the piano, but I never sought any fame or celebrity attached with that. For me, I really feel we are all meant to do certain things, and the choices that we make lead us to our destination.

Jim Brickman: Music is definitely an outlet for my emotions. Sometimes it is easier for me to speak through music than to verbalize my thoughts. I don't tend to write music when I am happy. I would say that the emotional moments in life bring out my music focus.

Jim Brickman: When did you hear me sing? I don't plan on doing an all-vocal album any time soon. I feel most comfortable singing live in concert, and as I do it more and more I get more comfortable with it. Possibly one or two songs but never a Jim Brickman CD, all vocal.

Jim Brickman: It is so hard to say because they are all sort of reflections of different times in my life. But I would have to say that BY HEART is closest to my heart.

Jim Brickman: I am inspired by human relationships more than anything. I don't tend to write about places or inanimate objects unless something has happen there with me and someone else or friends. I tend to write about love, friendship, and emotional connections.

Jim Brickman: I don't have any children yet, but it is something I look very much forward to. One of the things that I have learned from my parents is that you have to let people be who they are, so I guess if that is what they want to do, then that is what they are going to be.

Jim Brickman: I am a big fan of a composer named Erik Satie as well as some of the old George Gershwin musicians. I am not that inspired by contemporary pianists. I feel that in order to be unique you have to have your own voice.

Jim Brickman: Well of course!

Jim Brickman: That is an interesting question. I think it is something that evolves. You can't control it. You have to work hard and take it seriously and believe that you have something to say with your music. All of those things together make the music successful.

Jim Brickman: I like to work with a very diverse group of people. It helps me to keep learning and exposes my audience to some unique combinations. On my list it could be anyone from Bruce Springsteen to Pavarotti.

Jim Brickman: I am an avid reader, and lately I have been reading the Julia Cameron book THE ARTIST'S WAY, as well as her follow-up to that, THE RIGHT TO WRITE.

Jim Brickman: I love performing in concert. It is my favorite thing to do. There is nothing like a live audience to inspire a performer.

Jim Brickman: I agree with you. She is one of my favorite singers. We are actually part of the same record company, which is how I met her, and we are working on a brand-new album together, and I will be one of the producers.

Jim Brickman: Good question! I would imagine that the very next thing would be a live concert album. Either that or an album of lullabies.

Jim Brickman: I was influenced by many people but most by Carole King, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, et cetera.

Jim Brickman: First of all, thank you for your support of my music, Bryan, and continued luck with your music as well. I feel that it is very important to put yourself in an environment where the music business surrounds you, for example, Nashville, Los Angeles, New York City -- places where you will find people to learn from, grow from, and experiment with -- and to always have colleagues around. In every business you need to have colleagues, and it is very hard to do that unless you live in one of these places. I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and if I hadn't ventured to L.A., there is no way I would be where I am today. It also takes an incredible amount of dedication, and you have to want it more than anything else in the world.

Jim Brickman: I hardly ever listen to my records. In many ways it is a reflection of a period of time in my life, and I like to keep looking forward. Sometimes in a weak moment I will go back to listen to something, and it is such a strange experience because it reminds me of that time in my life and it is so strange. That is the power of music.

Jim Brickman: Hi, Claire! I have to say it is an instrumental song called "Angel Eyes" (BY HEART) and as a vocal song, without a doubt "Valentine" (PICTURE THIS).

Jim Brickman: I really appreciate all the kind words, and I look forward to seeing you at a concert sometime soon. Thanks again.