Rameau's Nephew by Denis Diderot

"Rameau's Nephew" is a philosophical dialogue that explores themes of morality, societal norms, and the nature of genius. The story revolves around a conversation between a philosopher and a character who is the nephew of a famous musician. The nephew, a freeloader and a parasite, defends his lifestyle by arguing that it is not only acceptable but also necessary in a society where wealth and power determine value. The dialogue delves into the contradictions and ironies of social conventions, challenging traditional notions of virtue, vice, and human nature.

The 1415th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 264

Since this book was first published in 1761, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 264.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.