“Every man has the right to risk his own life in order to preserve it. Has it ever been said that a man who throws himself out the window to escape from a fire is guilty of suicide?”
- June 28, 1712 – July 2, 1778
- Born in Geneva
- Philosopher, political philosopher, writer, composer
- He advocated popular sovereignty in “The Social Contract” and influenced the French Revolution and modern democracy.
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Quote
“Every man has the right to risk his own life in order to preserve it. Has it ever been said that a man who throws himself out the window to escape from a fire is guilty of suicide?”
Explanation
In this quote, Jean-Jacques Rousseau asserts that individuals have the right to take actions that risk their own lives when it is necessary for their self-preservation. Rousseau uses the example of a person throwing themselves out of a window to escape a fire to illustrate his point. While such an action involves a risk to life, it is not considered suicide because it is driven by the instinct to survive rather than a desire to end one’s life. Rousseau is making a broader argument about self-defense and autonomy, emphasizing that individuals have the freedom to make decisions that may put their lives in jeopardy if it is done in the name of preserving their well-being. His point is that preserving life through necessary action, even if it involves risk, should not be judged in the same way as the intentional act of suicide.
Historically, this quote aligns with Rousseau’s ideas about natural rights and freedom, which he believed were inherent to human beings. He argued that people should be able to act in ways that protect their own well-being and personal safety without facing moral condemnation. This idea fits within Rousseau’s broader philosophy, where he rejected the corruption of human instincts by societal norms and emphasized the natural instinct for survival as a fundamental right.
In modern contexts, Rousseau’s quote can be applied to debates about individual autonomy, self-defense, and moral rights. In today’s society, where self-preservation can sometimes involve risky or unconventional decisions, Rousseau’s insight encourages us to recognize that individuals should have the freedom to act in ways that protect their lives, without fear of being judged for taking risks in extreme circumstances. Whether in the context of mental health, self-defense, or personal survival, Rousseau’s words highlight the human right to protect oneself, even when it involves risk.
