Why should we build our happiness on the opinons of others, when we can find it in our own hearts?
Jean-Jacques RousseauJewish authors would never have invented either that style nor that morality; and the Gospel has marks of truth so great, so striking, so utterly inimitable, that the invention of it would be more astonishing than the hero.
Jean-Jacques RousseauWith children use force; with men reason; such is the natural order of things. The wise man requires no law.
Jean-Jacques RousseauSocrates dies with honor, surrounded by his disciples listening to the most tender words -the easiest death that one could wish to die. Jesus dies in pain, dishonor, mockery, the object of universal cursing - the most horrible death that one could fear. At the receipt of the cup of poison, Socrates blesses him who could not give it to him without tears; Jesus, while suffering the sharpest pains, prays for His most bitter enemies. If Socrates lived and died like a philosopher, Jesus lived and died like a god.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau