The Social Contract (by Rousseau)

Jean-Jacques Rousseau's "The Social Contract" argues that true political authority arises from a collective agreement among individuals to form a society. People give up some personal freedoms to the community in exchange for protection and order, but they do so willingly, maintaining their individual sovereignty through the "general will"—the common interest of all. This balance aims to create a legitimate government that represents everyone's shared interests, ensuring freedom and equality are preserved. Essentially, Rousseau emphasizes that a just society is built on mutual agreement and active participation by its members.