How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The course of my education was interrupted by an accident, the consequences of which have influenced the rest of my life. (1.1.10)
Rousseau divides his education into two sections: before his dad was arrested, and after his dad is banished. How crucial is Rousseau's dad to his education?
Quote #2
[…] we were sent together to Bossey to board with the pastor, M. Lambercier, to learn Latin and all that sorry nonsense that goes by the name of education. (1.1.11)
It sounds like Rousseau has a low opinion of traditional education, even though he uses those Latin skills later in life.
Quote #3
I can see […] a fly alighting on my hand while I was saying my lesson. (1.1.37).
Rousseau can remember tiny details like the fly more vividly than he can remember his actual lessons—go figure.
Quote #4
He accused me of teaching myself to forge money, for these medals of ours bore the arms of the Republic. (1.2.3)
Rousseau swears up and down that he didn't do it, but he's definitely interested in gaining an education that will be useful to him down the road.
Quote #5
I was only halfway through my apprenticeship and was a long way from skilled. (2.1.17)
Rousseau's decision to bail on his apprenticeship is a typical move for the restless lad.
Quote #6
I pointed out to her further that this employment was not for long, that I needed some accomplishment by which to live. (5.1.18)
Deep down, Rousseau's pretty practical about what he needs to do in order to survive. He's got an ideal balance between being a starving artist and a savvy businessman.
Quote #7
I enjoyed my lessons while I was giving them, but I did not like being obliged to go to them, nor being tied to time. (5.1.21)
Rousseau doesn't sound like he's particularly jazzed about teaching, but he places a lot of value on education for himself.
Quote #8
[…] Mme de Menthon remarked one day to one of them that Mme de Warens was no more than a blue-stocking, that she had no taste, that she dressed badly and kept her bosom covered like a tradesman's wife. (5.1.25)
Mme de Menthon definitely means to insult Mama, but being a blue-stocking was a pretty cool indicator of a woman's high level of education in the eighteenth century.