The Social Contract & Discourses

This classic work by Jean-Jacques Rousseau includes "The Social Contract," a cornerstone of political philosophy, along with the author's other significant discourses. Beginning with the famous phrase "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains," Rousseau questions the source of legitimate political authority. The work argues that individuals must renounce their natural liberty and unite around a "General Will" formed by their own volition. Through this contract, individuals gain civil liberty and property rights. The book emphasizes that sovereignty belongs to the people and is inalienable and indivisible. While presenting direct democracy as the ideal form of government, Rousseau states that the government is merely a servant of the people. Furthermore, by examining the origins of inequality (in the Discourses section), he critiques how private property and civilization have corrupted human nature.