I also realized that the philosophers, far from ridding me of my vain doubts, only multiplied the doubts that tormented me and failed to remove any one of them. So I chose another guide and said, Let me follow the Inner Light; it will not lead me so far astray as others have done, or if it does it will be my own fault, and I shall not go so far wrong if I follow my own illusions as if I trusted to their deceits.
Jean-Jacques RousseauSovereigns always see with pleasure a taste for the arts of amusement and superfluity, which do not result in the exportation of bullion, increase among their subjects. They very well know that, besides nourishing that littleness of mind which is proper to slavery, the increase of artificial wants only binds so many more chains upon the people.
Jean-Jacques RousseauAs long as there are rich people in the world, they will be desirous of distinguishing themselves from the poor.
Jean-Jacques RousseauThe falsification of history has done more to impede human development than any one thing known to mankind.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau