I have never believed that man's freedom consisted in doing what he wants, but rather in never doing what he does not want to do.The Reveries of the Solitary Walker, 1992
Author · 14 quotes
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was an 18th-century Swiss philosopher, writer, and composer. He is best known for his influential works, such as "The Social Contract" and "Emile," which significantly contributed to the Enlightenment period and political philosophy. Rousseau's ideas on democracy, freedom, and education had a lasting impact on Western thought.
1712–1778·lived 66 years
I have never believed that man's freedom consisted in doing what he wants, but rather in never doing what he does not want to do.The Reveries of the Solitary Walker, 1992
Civilization is a hopeless race to discover remedies for the evils it produces.
To be sane in a world of madman is in itself madness.Confessions, 1782
O love, if I regret the age when one savors you, it is not for the hour of pleasure, but for the one that follows it.Confessions, Book IV, 1782
Plant and your spouse plants with you; weed and you weed alone.Emile, p. 215, 1762
What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?Emile, or On Education, p. 75, 1762
Gratitude is a duty which ought to be paid, but which none have a right to expect.Emile, p. 215, 1762
Nature never deceives us; it is we who deceive ourselves.Emile, or On Education, p. 176, 1762
Free people, remember this maxim: we may acquire liberty, but it is never recovered if it is once lost.The Social Contract, or Principles of Political Right, Book II, Chapter 8, 1762
How pleasant it is for a father to sit at his child's board. It is like an aged man reclining under the shadow of an oak which he has planted.Emile, or On Education, Book 1
The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.The Confessions, 1782
Man is not born wise, rational and good, but has to be taught to become so.Emile, or On Education, Book I, 1762
Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains.The Social Contract, 1762
Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.Julie - or the New Heloise, 1761
That’s all 14 quotes by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.