Jean-Jacques Rousseau Quotes

What we want is not freedom but its appearances.

There is no subjugation so perfect as that which keeps the appearance of freedom, for in that way one captures volition itself.

Augustus was sensible that mankind is governed by names; nor was he deceived in his expectation, that the senate and people would submit to slavery, provided they were respectfully assured that they still enjoyed their ancient freedom.

Sham liberty will be proclaimed everywhere.

Either you think, or else others have to think for you and take power from you, pervert and discipline your natural tastes, civilize and sterilize you.

The American people are free to do exactly what they are told.

For the power of Man to make himself what he pleases means... the power of some men to make other men what THEY please.

The victim of mind-manipulation does not know that he is a victim. To him, the walls of his prison are invisible, and he believes himself to be free.

Democracy has proved only that the best way to gain power over people is to assure the people that they are ruling themselves. Once they believe that, they make wonderfully submissive slaves.

Sometimes I think that a parody of democracy could be more dangerous than a blatant dictatorship, because that gives people an opportunity to avoid doing anything about it.

The only people who ever called me a rebel were people who wanted me to do what they wanted.

I am a collaborator with everyone who agrees that I need to be in control. I happily collaborate with my loyalists.

I love someone who tries to boss me around.

The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.

Our schools and colleges are turning out people who cannot feel fulfilled unless they are telling other people what to do.

I wouldn't play together with someone who likes to control everything like me.

I run a tight ship, but I try and make it seem like I'm not doing that at all.

You are controlling because I want you to do it, not because of the situation or what needs to be done.

You know, you can't make the people do what you want them to do.

If you're working for somebody and trying to check on them, it never works. You're just saying what they want you to say at the end of the day.

Behind the masks of total choice, different forms of the same alienation confront each other.

War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.

I'd rather control someone than be controlled.

Society and the system and politicians don't want people to be aware of things. They want people to believe what they have to show 'em.

The more dependent you are, the more ignorant you must be, and that's how they want you.