If there were a nation of Gods, it would govern itself democratically. A government so perfect is not suited to men.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUIf there were a nation of Gods, it would govern itself democratically. A government so perfect is not suited to men.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUNature never deceives us; it is always we who deceive ourselves.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUAll my misfortunes come of having thought too well of my fellows.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUWhat good would it be to possess the whole universe if one were its only survivor?
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUMAN is born free; and everywhere he is in chains. One thinks himself the master of others, and still remains a greater slave than they.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUThe sociable man, always outside himself, is capable of living only in the opinions of others and, so to speak, derives the sentiment of his own existence solely from their judgment.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUI am not made like any of those I have seen. I venture to believe that I am not made like any of those who are in existence. If I am not better, at least I am different.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUI perceive God everywhere in His works. I sense Him in me; I see Him all around me.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUTruth is an homage that the good man pays to his own dignity.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUBut in some great souls, who consider themselves as citizens of the world, and forcing the imaginary barriers that separate people from people.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUIt is pity in which the state of nature takes the place of laws, morals and virtues, with the added advantage that no one there is tempted to disobey its gentle voice.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUI am a hundred times happier in my solitude than I could be if I lived among them.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUWhy should we build our happiness on the opinons of others, when we can find it in our own hearts?
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUI hate books; they only teach us to talk about things we know nothing about.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUNature made me happy and good, and if I am otherwise, it is society’s fault.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAUTo write a good love letter, you ought to begin without knowing what you mean to say, and to finish without knowing what you have written.
JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU