How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
After favouring my wishes for thirty years, for the next thirty fate opposed them. (7.1.3)
If Rousseau's right, someone up there has a knack for symmetry.
Quote #2
Whilst I was philosophizing on the duties of man an event occurred which made me reflect more deeply upon my own. (8.2.2)
Every time Rousseau wades in too deep with philosophy, a personal event pulls him back to center.
Quote #3
[…] I have often blessed Heaven for having thus safeguarded them from their father's fate, and from that which would have overtaken them at the moment when I should have been compelled to abandon them. (8.2.3)
Say what? Rousseau sees abandoning his children as a form of protection. He's no Father of the Year.
Quote #4
Five or six years later I should neither have been so wise nor so foolish; but it was decreed that I should only be in love once in my life. (8.2.8)
Who decrees this, exactly? Rousseau definitely believes that someone up there is guiding his decisions.
Quote #5
If I were master of my own destiny and that of my book, it would not see the light til long after my death and theirs. (8.2.15)
Since Rousseau has no control over when his book is published, he's letting it all hang out. Why not?
Quote #6
If ever there was a moment in my life in which I became another man and ceased to be myself, it was at the time I am speaking of. (9.1.20)
Will the real Rousseau please stand up? Don't expect Rousseau to start a rap battle with Eminem. To thine own self be true, buddy.
Quote #7
Never have I been so afraid of death. (11.1.41)
Rousseau doesn't often fear the unknown, but his imagination is working overtime here.
Quote #8
The one thing that distressed me for the future, in the close expectation of death, was the want of a literary friend. (11.2.2)
All the guy wants is a friend. Won't someone step up?