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 Reference
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.