more from Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Single Idea 7252

[catalogued under 29. Religion / B. Monotheistic Religion / 4. Christianity / a. Christianity]

Full Idea

The Christian spirit is too favourable to tyranny for tyranny not to take advantage of it. True Christians are made to be slaves; they know it and hardly care; this short life has too little value in their eyes.

Gist of Idea

A tyrant exploits Christians because they don't value this life, and are made to be slaves

Source

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (The Social Contract (tr Cress) [1762], IV.8)

Book Reference

Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.225


A Reaction

This is strikingly close to Nietzsche's verdict on Christianity, that it is the essence of slave morality. It has certainly been my experience that Christians tend to be much more reluctant than other people to stand up to authority.