Literature Network » Jean Jacques Rousseau

Born free.(LETTERS)

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From: The Washington Times
Date: 20070213
Author:

Byline: THE WASHINGTON TIMES

In his column "All the news?" (Commentary, Sunday), Thomas Sowell cites philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau as leading the charge against all societal restraints in the 18th century. He argues that this has culminated in the New York Times' celebration of the decline of marriage in the 21st century.

Mr. Sowell, however, relies on a false understanding of Rousseau's text one that does not put his dictum that "man is born free but is everywhere in chains" into context. Rousseau is not arguing that we ought to throw off all societal chains and ...

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