How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Full of desires of soon seeing my dear Mama again, I gave my imagination something of a rest, since the real happiness in store for me relieved me from the necessity of having to seek it in dreams. (4.1.28)
Rousseau is accustomed to turning inward for happiness, as opposed to relying on others to making him happy.
Quote #2
Thanks to you, my happiness is at its height. (6.1.33)
This moment is brought to you by Rousseau's desire to recreate his happiest memories. He wants nothing more than to revisit his memories, over and over again.
Quote #3
I feel more strength and life in me with which to suffer than I had for enjoyment when I was in the flower of my youth and in the midst of genuine happiness. (6.2.3)
Okay, so it's not totally original that Rousseau's happiest years are when he's a youngster. It seems like he's telling us that he matured a little since then.
Quote #4
We were in a county of plenty at a time of good cheer, and, thanks to the Marquis' good offices, we enjoyed it to the full. (6.2.12)
Rousseau loves to link his life to historical events. It's a good time to be in France, apparently.
Quote #5
People wanted to meet this odd man who sought no acquaintance and only wanted to pursue his freedom and happiness in his own way. (8.1.18)
Basically, Rousseau's all the rage in high society. Why does he think his method of seeking happiness is so strange?
Quote #6
Indeed my resources, being proportionate to my needs and desires, might reasonably promise me a long and happy life in the conditions that my tastes had let me choose. (9.1.1)
Rousseau's expectations aren't that high. He wants a peaceful home and a celebrity reputation that follows him everywhere. Okay, so maybe his expectations are a little higher than we originally thought.
Quote #7
I took such pleasure in thus soaring into the empyrean in the midst of all the charms that surrounded me, that I spent countless hours and days at it. (9.1.47)
Hanging out in the woods is Rousseau's idea of a good time. Yeah, we'd have to agree with him.
Quote #8
Whereas, on the other hand, I am consistently preoccupied with my past happiness. (11.1.28)
This is the trillionth time Rousseau has told us he's obsessed with the past. Could that be part of the motivation behind writing The Confessions?
Quote #9
After this we were to go, as I have said, and live together in some provincial corner. (11.2.27)
Living a rural life has always been the dream for Rousseau. He can't get it out of his head.
Quote #10
This choice was so much in keeping with my peaceful tastes and with my solitary, indolent disposition, that I think of it as one of those sweet dreams for which I have felt the most enthusiasm (12.1.26).
Rousseau: the original INTJ on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.