Rousseau doesn't like to tell a lie. In fact, his most shameful confessions seem to have to do with little white lies that hurt innocent bystanders. But for someone who doesn't want to lie, Rousseau has a nose as long as Pinocchio's.
And what does Rousseau lie about? Dumb stuff, mostly—he steals a ribbon he doesn't want and lies about it to save his hide. If we had modern terminology and we felt like playing armchair psychologist, Rousseau has all the markings of a compulsive liar. Maybe he's balancing it out by telling us the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in The Confessions.
Questions About Lies and Deceit
- Why does Rousseau lie? Does it matter that he's telling tiny lies, as opposed to big lies?
- Under what circumstances will Rousseau always tell the truth?
- How much of The Confessions is dedicated to Rousseau uncovering his former lies?
Chew on This
Rousseau's class position allows him to lie and get away with it (most of the time).
Rousseau only feels guilty about his lies when they harm someone innocent.