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The Economic Times
The Economic Times
National
Piyush Shukla

Quote of the day by Jean-Jacques Rousseau: “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.” — Are modern people losing freedom to society, fear, pressure, and invisible mental control despite living in a more connected world?

The power of this Quote of the day by Jean-Jacques Rousseau lies in its painful honesty. Rousseau was not only speaking about governments or political systems. He was speaking about the hidden chains society creates inside the human mind. People slowly become prisoners of approval, routine, status, and fear of judgment. A child enters the world naturally curious and emotionally honest. Over time, society teaches performance instead of authenticity. The result is a modern life filled with noise but lacking inner freedom.

This Quote of the day by Jean-Jacques Rousseau matters deeply today because modern chains rarely look like prisons. They appear as anxiety, endless comparison, digital addiction, and pressure to become someone else. Many people spend years chasing success while ignoring their real voice.

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