The Social Contract & Discourses

What does it mean to be truly free in a civilized society? In The Social Contract & Discourses, Jean-Jacques Rousseau offers revolutionary answers that still shape political thinking today.

Rousseau argues that legitimate government must be based on the “general will” of the people—not force or tradition. His bold claim that man is “born free, yet everywhere in chains” sparked political movements around the world and laid the foundation for modern democracy, civil rights, and social justice. The accompanying discourses dig even deeper, challenging inequality, questioning progress, and calling out the corruption of institutions.

This collection is more than political theory—it’s a passionate call to rethink power, community, and what we owe each other as citizens.

A vital read for anyone interested in philosophy, politics, or social change, Rousseau’s work remains electrifying and relevant in today’s world.