Jean Jacques Rousseau was a philosopher, author, political theorist and music composer from the then Republic of Geneva, who lived in the 18th century and is credited for inspiring some of the most significant events of the time. He wrote in the French language and his works on political philosophy were one of the biggest influences on the ‘Enlightenment’ that ushered in a cultural revolution in the mainland Europe. One of his most celebrated works is ‘Emile, or On Education’ which dealt with the subject of education as the name suggests. However, it is in the areas of sociology and politics that he made his most remarkable contributions. He laid down his thoughts on those subjects in the books ‘The Social Contract’ and ‘Discourse on Inequality’. Rousseau was also a forceful orator, who could articulate his thoughts clearly and logically and emerged as one of the most influential voices during the period of the French Revolution. It is in fact a well-known fact that his thoughts had a profound effect on the rebellion that took place in 1789. Needless to say, Rousseau’s work, thoughts, theories and speeches left behind a veritable treat as far as quotes are concerned and here are the most profound ones.
The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.
Jean Jacques Rousseau
I 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.
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.
