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Ordinary readers, forgive my paradoxes: one must make them when one reflects; and whatever you may say, I prefer being a man with paradoxes than a man with prejudices.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that embracing complexity and contradictions is preferable to holding narrow-minded beliefs.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau expresses the idea that reflecting on life often leads to paradoxes, which reveal the complexity of human experience. He suggests that it is better to acknowledge and accept these contradictions rather than adhere to rigid prejudices, which can limit understanding and growth.

Themes

ParadoxesPrejudicesReflectionComplexityUnderstanding

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate on social issues, one could refer to this quote to highlight the importance of being open-minded.

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As evening approached, I came down from the heights of the island, and I liked then to go and sit on the shingle in some secluded spot by the lake; there the noise of the waves and the movement of the water, taking hold of my senses and driving all other agitation from my soul, would plunge me into delicious reverie in which night often stole upon me unawares.
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