--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Jean-Jacques Rousseau defined…" description: "\"“Jean-Jacques Rousseau defined civilization as when people build fences. A very perceptive observation. And it’s true—all civilization is the product o..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed4/haruki-murakami-21_civilization_jean-jacques-rousseau-defined-civilizati_2936800.jpg" --- # Jean-Jacques Rousseau defined civilization as when people… ![“Jean-Jacques Rousseau defined civilization as when people build fences. A very perceptive observation. And it’s true—all civilization is the product of a fenced-in lack of freedom. The Australian Aborigines are the exception, though. They managed to maintain a fenceless civilization until the…” quote by Haruki Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed4/haruki-murakami-21_civilization_jean-jacques-rousseau-defined-civilizati_2936800.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed4/haruki-murakami-21_civilization_jean-jacques-rousseau-defined-civilizati_2936800.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed4/haruki-murakami-21_civilization_jean-jacques-rousseau-defined-civilizati_2936800.jpg) > ““Jean-Jacques Rousseau defined civilization as when people build fences. A very perceptive observation. And it’s true—all civilization is the product of a fenced-in lack of freedom. The Australian Aborigines are the exception, though. They managed to maintain a fenceless civilization until the seventeenth century. They’re dyed-in-the-wool free. They go where they want, when they want, doing what they want. Their lives are a literal journey. Walkabout is a perfect metaphor for their lives. When the English came and built fences to pen in their cattle, the Aborigines couldn’t fathom it. And, ignorant to the end of the principle at work, they were classified as dangerous and antisocial and were driven away, to the outback. So I want you to be careful. The people who build high, strong fences are the ones who survive the best. You deny that reality only at the risk of being driven into the wilderness yourself.”” [Haruki Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/haruki-murakami/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Civilization is built by imposing boundaries that restrict freedom, as seen in the contrast between fenced societies and the nomadic Australian Aborigines. **In simple terms:** Fences limit freedom, nomads live freely. Key Takeaway Beware of imposing restrictive structures. Themes freedom civilization colonialism identity control Mood reflective critical thoughtful Type philosophical social commentary When to use this quote - urban planning - environmental policy - personal boundaries - community building Key Concepts social contract spatial politics colonial impact Questions to Reflect On - How do modern institutions create invisible fences? - What freedoms are sacrificed for perceived safety? A Different Perspective Fences can protect but also oppress, limiting creativity and autonomy. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Civilization](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civilization/) [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [Jacques rousseau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jacques-rousseau/) ## Related quotes > [ “The thirst after happiness is never extinguished in the heart of \[woman\]. —JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU” ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-ban-breathnach/the-thirst-after-happiness-is-never-extinguished-in-the-heart-of/) [Sarah Ban Breathnach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-ban-breathnach/) > [“Nothing is harder than distinguishing in children between real stupidity and that apparent but misleading stupidity which simply indicates strength of character. 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