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Civil liberties Quote by Jean-Baptiste Rousseau

“What man loses by the social contract is his natural liberty and an unlimited right to everything he tries to get and succeeds in getting; what he gains is civil liberty and the proprietorship of all he possesses.” quote by Jean-Baptiste Rousseau
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“What man loses by the social contract is his natural liberty and an unlimited right to everything he tries to get and succeeds in getting; what he gains is civil liberty and the proprietorship of all he possesses.”

Jean-Baptiste Rousseau

About This Quote

Source Treatise: "The Social Contract" (1762) excerpt

Social contracts trade natural liberty for civil liberty and property rights, balancing freedom and societal order.

In simple terms: Trade natural liberty for civil rights.

Key Takeaway

Understand the balance between freedom and societal order.

Themes

politics freedom property

Mood

analytical critical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • government
  • community building
  • legal frameworks

Key Concepts

social contract theory civil rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • What freedoms are most valuable to you?
  • How do you protect civil liberties?
A Different Perspective

May overlook individual autonomy concerns.

4.7 out of 5 (9 ratings)

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