Jean-Jacques Rousseau Quotes

Morality comes from a commitment to treat other as we wish to be treated, which follows from the realization that none of us is the sole occupant of the universe.

Anyone may fairly seek his own advantage, but no one has a right to do so at another's expense.

Ethics is in origin the art of recommending to others the sacrifices required for cooperation with oneself.

In every case, we ought to act that part towards another, which we would judge to be right in him to act toward us, if we were in his circumstances and he in ours; or more generally - What we approve in others, that we ought to practise in like circumstances, what we condemn in others we ought not to do.

Freedom isn't to do what you want at somebody else's expense.

Let everyone regulate his conduct... by the golden rule of doing to others as in similar circumstances we would have them do to us, and the path of duty will be clear before him.

Moral principle is a looser bond than pecuniary interest.

Do not do unto others what would not be good for yourself.

The mind must first reflect upon itself in order that it may frame a rule of Justice, and not be inclined to do to another what it would not have done to itself, nor refuse to another what it desires for itself. These two assuredly comprise the whole sphere of Justice.

You do things for yourself, and you do things for other people, and you hope that these things coincide.

The best way of fulfilling your own interest is to take care of others.

The Golden Rule works like gravitation.

Do not unto others that which is hateful unto thee.

The central law of all wholesome life is reciprocity, mutuality. ... But the group is valuable only as it permits personalities, not automatons, to emerge.

Every man should esteem his neighbor as himself.

Anything done for another is done for oneself.

Nothing is properly one's duty but what is also one's interest.

If we try to secure the well-being of others, we will, at the same time, create the conditions for our own.

In matters of equity between man and man, our Saviour has taught us to put my neighbor in place of myself, and myself in place of my neighbor.

Do as you would be done by, is the surest method of pleasing.

Tsze-Kung asked, “Is there one word with which to act in accordance throughout a lifetime?” The Master said, “Is not reciprocity such a word? What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.

Try to do unto others as you would have them do to you, and do not be discouraged if they fail sometimes. It is much better that they should fail than you should.

The moral sense is always supported by the permanent interest of the parties. Else, I know not how, in our world, any good would ever get done.

Slowly and painfully man is learning that he must do unto others what he would have them do to him.

What you do not wish upon yourself, extend not to others.