Describe Rousseau's childhood and early career.

Rousseau was the son of a craftsman. His mother died as a direct consequence of giving birth. He was raised lovingly and rather gently. When he was old enough he became an apprentice to an engraver, whereas his father was a watchmaker. However, the engraver was violent toward Rousseau to such an extent that the teenager ran away from his master and thereby lost his apprenticeship.