“Europe had fallen back into the barbarity of the first ages. People from this part of world, so enlightened today, lived a few centuries ago in a state worse than ignorance. Some sort of learned jargon much more despicable than ignorance had usurped the name of knowledge and set up an almost invincible obstacle in the way of its return. A revolution was necessary to bring men back to common sense, and it finally came from a quarter where one would least expect it. It was the stupid Muslim, the eternal blight on learning, who brought about its rebirth among us.”

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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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