Jean-Jacques Rousseau, The Social Contract Quotes
Why should we build our happiness on the opinons of others, when we can find it in our own hearts?
As soon as any man says of the affairs of the State "What does it matter to me?" the State may be given up for lost.
To renounce liberty is to renounce being a man, to surrender the rights of humanity and even its duties.
If there were a nation of Gods, it would govern itself democratically. A government so perfect is not suited to men.
To renounce freedom is to renounce one's humanity, one's rights as a man and equally one's duties.
Happy am I, for every time I meditate on governments, I always find new reasons in my inquiries for loving my own country.
Liberty may be gained, but can never be recovered." (Bk2:8)