Patience patience quotes is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.
Jean-Jacques RousseauRead
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of individual engagement in political affairs and warns against apathy towards the state.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau highlights the critical role of citizen participation in governance. When individuals adopt an indifferent attitude towards state affairs, it signifies a dangerous disengagement that can lead to the decline or collapse of the state itself. This quote urges everyone to recognize their responsibility in civic life and the impact of their involvement or lack thereof.
Themes
StateCitizenApathyEngagementResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about civic duty, a leader might reference this quote to encourage voting.
More from Jean-Jacques Rousseau
All quotes βThe infant, on opening his eyes, ought to see his country, and to the hour of his death never lose sight of it.
Jean-Jacques RousseauRead
What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?
Jean-Jacques RousseauRead
O love, if I regret the age when one savors you, it is not for the hour of pleasure, but for the one that follows it.
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Those people who treat politics and morality separately will never understand either of them.
Jean-Jacques RousseauRead
As evening approached, I came down from the heights of the island, and I liked then to go and sit on the shingle in some secluded spot by the lake; there the noise of the waves and the movement of the water, taking hold of my senses and driving all other agitation from my soul, would plunge me into delicious reverie in which night often stole upon me unawares.
Jean-Jacques RousseauRead
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