With such vast and diverse contributions, Rousseau inevitably left
a legacy of inspiring
and insightful quotes for us to enjoy.
Heroes are not known by the loftiness of their carriage; the
greatest braggarts are generally the merest cowards.
It is unnatural for a majority to rule, for a majority can seldom
be organized and united for specific action, and a minority can.
Most nations, as well as people are impossible only in their youth;
they become incorrigible as they grow older.
Every man has a right to risk his own life for the preservation of
it.
Force does not constitute right... obedience is due only to
legitimate powers.
Liberty is not to be found in any form of government; she is in the
heart of the free man; he bears her with him everywhere.
The strongest is never strong enough to be always the master,
unless he transforms his strength into right, and obedience into duty.
As soon as any man says of the affairs of the State "What does
it matter to me?" the State may be given up for lost.
The happiest is the person who suffers the least pain; the most
miserable who enjoys the least pleasure.
Nature never deceives us; it is we who deceive ourselves.
The English are predisposed to pride, the French to vanity.
Patience
is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.
The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is
boundless.
We are born weak, we need strength; helpless, we need aid; foolish,
we need reason. All that we lack at birth, all that we need when we
come to man's estate, is the gift of education.
We should not teach children the sciences; but give them a taste
for them.
People who know little are usually great talkers, while men who
know much say little.
Falsehood has an infinity of combinations, but truth has only one
mode of being.
All of my misfortunes come from having thought too well of my
fellows.
However great a man's natural talent may be, the act of writing
cannot be learned all at once.
He who is slowest in making a promise is most faithful in its
performance.
