more from this thinker | more from this text
Full Idea
Man is born free, and he is everywhere in chains. Those who think themselves the masters of others are indeed greater slaves than they.
Gist of Idea
Man is born free, and he is everywhere in chains
Source
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], I.1)
Book Ref
Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Social Contract', ed/tr. Cranston,Maurice [Penguin 1972], p.49
A Reaction
I've always liked the second sentence, though it may be wishful thinking. It is probably rather fun owning slaves. The idea that man is 'born free' strikes me as nonsense. Man is a highly social animal, which only flourishes if enmeshed in a culture.
| 8020 | Only self-knowledge can liberate us [Spinoza, by MacIntyre] |
| 19864 | In nature men can dispose of possessions and their persons in any way that is possible [Locke] |
| 20581 | If men are born free, are women born slaves? [Astell] |
| 19774 | A savage can steal fruit or a home, but there is no means of achieving obedience [Rousseau] |
| 7232 | Man is born free, and he is everywhere in chains [Rousseau] |
| 7234 | No man has any natural authority over his fellows [Rousseau] |
| 7212 | Individuals have sovereignty over their own bodies and minds [Mill] |
| 8022 | I am naturally free if I am not tied to anyone by a contract [MacIntyre] |