It is too difficult to think nobly when one thinks only of earning a living.
— Confessions
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a Genevan philosopher, writer and composer whose political philosophy influenced the Enlightenment across Europe, aspects of the French Revolution, and modern political, economic and educational thought.
His Discourse on Inequality, which argues that private property is the source of inequality, and The Social Contract, which sets out the basis for a legitimate political order, are cornerstones of modern political and social thought. His novel Julie, or the New Heloise was important to the development of romanticism, and Émile, or On Education is a treatise on the place of the individual in society. His Confessions, published after his death, began the modern autobiography. The Discourse on the Origin of Inequality and The Social Contract are his most quoted works in our library.
His Discourse on Inequality, which argues that private property is the source of inequality, and The Social Contract, which sets out the basis for a legitimate political order, are cornerstones of modern political and social thought. His novel Julie, or the New Heloise was important to the development of romanticism, and Émile, or On Education is a treatise on the place of the individual in society. His Confessions, published after his death, began the modern autobiography. The Discourse on the Origin of Inequality and The Social Contract are his most quoted works in our library.
Most quoted works
- Discourse on the Origin of Inequality 12
- The Social Contract 12
- Emile or On Education 8
- Confessions 7
- Discourse on the Sciences and Arts (1st Discourse) and Polemics 3
- Reveries of the Solitary Walker 3
We seek knowledge only because we desire enjoyment, and it is impossible to conceive why a person who has neither desires nor fears would take the trouble to reason.
— Discourse on the Origin of Inequality
The bounds of human possibility are not as confining as we think they are; they are made to seem to be tight by our weaknesses, our vices, our prejudices that confine them.
— The Social Contract
I have never thought, for my part, that man's freedom consists in his being able to do whatever he wills, but that he should not, by any human power, be forced to do what is against his will.
— Reveries of the Solitary Walker
You will never be free as long as there remains one Russian soldier in Poland and your freedom will always be threatened as long as Russia interferes in your affairs.
— Considerations On The Government Of Poland
If there were a nation of Gods, it would govern itself democratically. A government so perfect is not suited to men.
— The Social Contract
There are times when I am so unlike myself that I might be taken for someone else of an entirely opposite character.
— Confessions
Among the many short cuts to science, we badly need someone to teach us the art of learning with difficulty.
— Emile or On Education
Happy am I, for every time I meditate on governments, I always find new reasons in my inquiries for loving my own country.
— The Social Contract
Liberty may be gained, but can never be recovered.
— The Social Contract
Or, rather, let us be more simple and less vain.