The Social Contract (Du Contrat Social)

"The Social Contract," written by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, explores the idea that individuals come together to form a society through a mutual agreement. In this contract, they relinquish some personal freedoms in exchange for security and the benefits of living in a community. Rousseau argues that true political authority arises from the collective will of the people, known as the "general will." This concept emphasizes that legitimate governments must represent the interests of all citizens, promoting equality and justice, rather than serving the interests of a few. The work is foundational in political philosophy, influencing democratic ideas.