Emile, or On Education

impulses, we follow a composite path that leads us to neither goal. Thus combated and fluctuating during the entire course of our life, we finish it without having been able to agree with ourselves, and without having been good either for ourselves or for others.

There remains finally domestic education, or that of nature. But what will become, for others, of a man raised solely for himself? If perhaps the double object one proposes could be united into a single one, by removing the contradictions of man, one would remove a great obstacle to his happiness. To judge this, one would have to see him fully formed; one would have to have observed his inclinations, seen his progress, followed his path; one would have to know, in a word, the natural man. I believe one will have taken some steps in these researches after having read this writing.

To form this rare man, what must we do? Much, undoubtedly; it is to prevent anything from being done. When it is only a matter of going against the wind, one tacks; but if the sea is rough and one wishes to remain in place, one must drop anchor. Take care, young pilot, that your cable does not slip or your anchor does not drag, and that