Rousseau Was a Bad Man

I have always found Rousseau to be one of the more despicable characters in all of history. His writings have fueled totalitarianism throughout the years. I just discovered that the good doctor Samuel Johnson agreed:

Boswell: "Do you really think him [Rousseau] a bad man?"

Johnson: "Sir, if you are talking jestingly of this, I don't talk with you. If you mean to be serious, I think him one of the worst of men; a rascal, who ought to be hunted out of society, as he has been. Three or four nations have expelled him: and it is a shame that he is protected in this country."

Boswell: "I don't deny, Sir, but that his novel may, perhaps, do harm; but I cannot think his intention was bad."

Johnson: "Sir, that will not do. We cannot prove any man's intention to be bad. You may shoot a man through the head, and say you intended to miss him; but the Judge will order you to be hanged. An alleged want of intention, when evil is committed, will not be allowed in a court of justice. Rousseau, Sir, is a very bad man. I would sooner sign a sentence for his transportation, than that of any felon who has gone from the Old Bailey these many years. Yes, I should like to have him work in the plantations."