Jean-Jacques Rousseau Quotes - 34 Inspirational Sayings By French Philosopher

Looking for inspirational Jean-Jacques Rousseau quotes? Then you have found what you are looking for! Rousseau was not only one of the most important French writers and philosophers, but also a successful naturalist, educator and composer. Through his commitment, he is also one of the pioneers of the French Revolution.

In this collection of sayings I would like to introduce you to his most important wisdom and quotes.

My please: Keep in mind that many of Rousseau's quotes have been translated. I cannot guarantee that it is the original quote in each case. Therefore, double check them and feel free to leave a corrective comment. If you like and share any of the quotes in the internet, please link this elaborately created collection. Thank you for your support!

34 Valuable Quotes And Sayings By Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Rousseau stood up like no other for the Reason and the individual rights of the individual in. Especially through his remarks on freedom of the will he took decisive Influence on psychoanalysis and educational theories throughout Europe. Use the following short and long quotes from the philosopher to get inspired by his values.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau Quotes 1 - 10

1. "Nature never deceives us; it is we who deceive ourselves."
2. "All wickedness comes from weakness."
3. "You must have learned a lot to be able to ask about what you don't know."
4. "The only way to avoid error is ignorance."
5. "Why should we build our happiness on the opinons of others, when we can find it in our own hearts?"
6. "It is much more valuable to always have people's respect than to occasionally have their admiration."
7. "A teacher should not be a servant, otherwise he makes a second servant out of the student."
8. "All human beings will realize that on high mountains, where the air is pure and thin, one breathes more freely and feels lighter and mentally more cheerful."
9. "The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless."
10. "Trust your heart rather than your head."

Tip: Even more Quotes About Strength Of Character And Personalities you can find in the linked collection!

Jean-Jacques Rousseau Quotes 11 - 20

11. "Everything is good when it comes from the hands of the Creator of the world, but it degenerates as soon as it comes into the hands of man."
12. "Never have I thought so much, never have I realised my own existence so much, been so much alive, been so much myself ... as in those journeys which I have made alone and afoot. Walking has something in it which animates and heightens my ideas: I can scarcely think when I stay in one place. My body must be set a-going if my mind is to work."
13. "Those who want to get to their destination can travel by stagecoach, but those who want to travel properly should walk."
14. "We cannot teach children the danger of telling lies to men without realising, on the man's part, the danger of telling lies to children. A single untruth on the part of the master will destroy the results of his education."
15. "Why seek hell in the beyond? It already exists in this world, in the heart of the evil."
16. "The more I enter myself, the more I read the words written in my soul: Be righteous, and you will be happy."
17. "I prefer liberty with danger than peace with slavery."
18. "The trees, the shrubs, the plants are the ornament and the garment of the earth."
19. "To 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."
20. "The man who has lived the most is not he who has counted the most years but he who has most felt life."

Jean-Jacques Rousseau Quotes 21 - 34

21. "Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains. Those who think themselves the masters of others are indeed greater slaves than they."
22. "Let us beware of telling the truth to those who are unable to grasp it."
23. "A lot of kids have parents who are hard to raise."
24. "Gratitude is a duty which ought to be paid, but which none have a right to expect."
25. "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."
26. "There are always four sides to a story: your side, their side, the truth and what really happened."
27. "Plants are shaped by cultivation and men by education."
28. "All true patterns of taste are in nature."
29. "If only the lie can save us, then we are done, we are lost."
30. "Free people, remember this maxim: we may acquire liberty, but it is never recovered if it is once lost."
31. "It is the nature of men to bear patiently the necessity of things, but not the ill will of others."
32. "Insults are the arguments employed by those who are in the wrong."
33. "It is reason which breeds pride and reflection which fortifies it; reason which turns man inward into himself; reason which separates him from everything which troubles or affects him."
34. "For the rich, boredom is the great scourge."

Can you think of any other sayings by Rousseau? Then always come up with your ideas in the comments!

Who was Jean-Jacques Rousseau?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a Swiss writer, state theorist, philosopher, educator and naturalist. He is one of the greatest thinkers of the 18th century and the Age of Enlightenment - and is considered by many today to be a Founder the natural Pedagogy, leaving children entirely to their natural development. 

What image of man did Rousseau have?

Rousseau expounded the doctrine of freedom and equality of people - the basis and fundamental idea of the Enlightenment. The writer believed that a person is good by nature and becomes bad only through the influence of his fellow men.

For which of his works is Rousseau famous?

Rousseau's best-known works include the epistolary novel "La Nouvelle Héloïse" (1761), the treatise on the theory of the state "Du contrat social ou principes du droit politique" (1762) and the educational novel "Émile" (1762).

Using Jean-Jacques Rousseau Quotes as Personal Inspiration!

Rousseau is without doubt one of the most important and influential philosophers of the Age of Enlightenment. I hope that I could inspire you decisively with his quotes.

Finally, I would like to give you here further articles that are in line with his values and are likely to promote your personal development:

• Living more sustainably - Here's how!
• Improve general knowledge with simple means
• Why you should take walks more often

You have more Jean-Jacques Rousseau Quotes in stock or just questions about the Sayings Collection? Then I look forward to your comment!

Stay Inspired,

PS.: Just look a little further in the Quotes blog around. There you will also find, for example, his collection of the best Sayings about education. Have fun!