"Force does not constitute right... obedience is due only to legitimate powers"
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau
About this Quote
This quote by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a tip that power does not correspond to morality. Rousseau is recommending that even if somebody has the power to do something, it does not indicate that it is the ideal thing to do. He is emphasizing that obedience ought to only be provided to those who have a legitimate right to power. This implies that individuals ought to not blindly follow those in power, however rather must examine their actions and determine if they are ethically simply. Rousseau is promoting for a society where people are not scared to question authority and defend what is right. He is encouraging individuals to believe for themselves and to not be swayed by those in power. Eventually, Rousseau is advising us that power must not be blindly followed, but rather need to be assessed and questioned.