Every day Quote by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
““ The spectacle of nature, by growing quite familiar to him, becomes at last equally indifferent. It is constantly the same order, constantly the same revolutions; he has not sense enough to feel surprise at the sight of the greatest wonders; and it is not in his mind we must look for that philosophy, which man must have to know how to observe once, what he has every day seen." Jean Jacques Rousseau, On the Inequality among Mankind, Ch. 1, 20.””
About This Quote
Source Book: On the Inequality among Mankind, Ch. 1, 1775
Familiarity breeds indifference; constant exposure to nature dulls wonder, preventing deeper philosophical insight.
In simple terms: Familiarity dulls wonder
Cultivate fresh perspectives
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- travel
- education
- creative practice
- mindful observation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you renew awe in daily life?
- What practices keep observation fresh?
Over‑familiarity can lead to complacency