Jean-Baptiste Rousseau: Of Service

Posted by admin on Sunday, January 31, 2021

Jean-Baptiste Rousseau Money Quote saying that when public service is seen as purchasable rather than the core business of citizens, the State may fail. Jean-Baptiste Rousseau said:
 

 

“As soon as public service ceases to be the chief business of the citizens, and they would rather serve with their money than with their persons, the State is not far from its fall” — Jean-Baptiste Rousseau

 

 

In this quote, Jean-Baptiste Rousseau is warning about the dangers of citizens becoming detached from civic participation and public service. He suggests that a society is threatened when people would rather financially support the government through taxes than actively engage in governance through voting, community involvement, civil discourse, political processes, public administration roles, or military service.

Rousseau argues that a stable republic requires citizens to directly contribute their time, energy and skills to the functioning of the state, not just their money. The quote implies that such disengagement and overreliance on monetary contributions alone can signify a weakening of civic values and shared responsibility for self-governance among the populace. Rousseau appears to believe this shift away from hands-on public service toward passive financial support through taxes increases the risk of societal and political decline.

Birthday: April 6, 1671 – Death: March 17, 1741

Jean Jacques Rousseau: Live Earn

Posted by admin on Saturday, July 25, 2020

Jean Jacques Rousseau Money Quote saying you can’t be noble when you’re in need. Jean Jacques Rousseau said:
 

 

“It is too difficult to think nobly when one thinks only of earning a living” — Jean Jacques Rousseau

 

 

In this quote, Jean Jacques Rousseau is suggesting that it is challenging to think about higher philosophical, civic or intellectual pursuits when one is solely focused on financial survival and earning a living. He implies that dedicating all of one’s mental energy to employment, work and income generation leaves little room for more noble, elevated or creative thinking.

Rousseau appears to believe that being preoccupied with securing basic economic needs can constrain people’s minds and prevent them from contemplating loftier topics like ethics, governance, art or knowledge. The quote conveys that in order to think on a noble plane, one must have some freedom from constant economic worries so their mind is not entirely consumed by subsistence concerns.

Rousseau argues greater financial security may be needed to cultivate nobler forms of thinking.

Birthday: April 6, 1671 – Death: March 17, 1741