“An unbroken horse erects his mane, paws the ground and starts back impetuously at the sight of the bridle; while one which is properly trained suffers patiently even whip and spur: so savage man will not bend his neck to the yoke to which civilised man submits without a murmur, but prefers the most turbulent state of liberty to the most peaceful slavery. We cannot therefore, from the servility of nations already enslaved, judge of the natural disposition of mankind for or against slavery; we should go by the prodigious efforts of every free people to save itself from oppression. I know that the former are for ever holding forth in praise of the tranquillity they enjoy in their chains, and that they call a state of wretched servitude a state of peace: miserrimam servitutem pacem appellant. But when I observe the latter sacrificing pleasure, peace, wealth, power and life itself to the preservation of that one treasure, which is so disdained by those who have lost it; when I see free-born animals dash their brains out against the bars of their cage, from an innate impatience of captivity; when I behold numbers of naked savages, that despise European pleasures, braving hunger, fire, the sword and death, to preserve nothing but their independence, I feel that it is not for slaves to argue about liberty.”

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About Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer. He is best known for his political thought, which had a wide influence during the Age of Enlightenment and later in the French Revolution. Rousseau worked across philosophy, literature, and music, but his lasting reputation rests above all on the force of his political ideas. His writing helped shape debate in the eighteenth century, and his influence continued well beyond his own time.

More from Jean-Jacques Rousseau (121 quotes) →

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Books by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Les confessions

1856

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Du contrat social

1970

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Emile or Education

2006

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Discours sur l'origine et les fondements de l'inégalité parmi les hommes

2004

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The Social Contract And Discourse On The Origin Of Inequality

1967

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