Christopher Kelly, an expert on Jean-Jacques Rousseau's philosophy, discusses the importance of heroes in society, the evolution of language, and the role of compassion in community-building. The conversation explores Rousseau's views on heroism, the impact of heroes on public discourse, and the challenges of creating heroic narratives in modern societies.

Christopher Kelly, a leading Rousseau scholar and author of *Rousseau as Author*, dives deep into the philosopher's controversial views on censorship. He discusses Rousseau's belief in self-censorship as a means of preserving community morals, emphasizing the balance between free speech and societal values. Kelly explores the complexities of diversity in governance and the moral responsibilities of intellectuals. He also examines the tension between esoteric writing and accountability, reflecting on how these ideas resonate in today's discourse.