Jean-Jacques Rousseau on compulsory religious behavior [from Explaining Postmodernism]

Jean-Jacques Rousseau said:

“While the state can compel no one to believe it can banish not for impiety, but as an antisocial being, incapable of truly loving the laws and justice, and of sacrificing, if needed, his life to his duty. If, after having publicly recognized these dogmas, a person acts as if he does not believe them, he should be put to death.”(p. 106)

For more on the meaning and implications of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s contributions to postmodernism, see my Explaining Postmodernism: Skepticism from Rousseau to Foucault.

Information about other editions and translations is available at this dedicated page.

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