The Social Contract

The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, first published in 1762, is a foundational text in political philosophy. In this work, Rousseau explores the nature of political authority, the relationship between the individual and society, and the concept of freedom in a civil society. The book is best known for the famous opening line: "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains." Rousseau argues that in order to achieve true freedom, individuals must enter into a social contract—a collective agreement to form a community governed by the "general will." This general will represents the collective desires and interests of the people, and Rousseau believes that legitimate political authority can only arise when individuals act in accordance with this collective will, rather than from personal interest or arbitrary power.