Selected Political Writings: The Social Contract, Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, Discourse on the Arts & Sciences, Discourse on Political Economy

A new edition collecting Jean-Jacques Rosseau’s most essential and influential political writings. Included in this volume are: The Social Contract, originally published in 1762 Discourse on the Origins of Inequality, originally published in 1754 Discourse on the Arts and Sciences, originally published in 1750 Discourse on Political Economy, originally published in 1755 This edition is excerpted from a translation by G.D.H. Cole (1889-1959), published in the United States in 1920. Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a philosopher, author and political theorist who lived in the 18th century and is considered one of the most influential thinkers of the Enlightenment. He was born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1712 and died in 1778. Rousseau’s ideas had a profound impact on the development of modern political thought, particularly in terms of his advocacy for democracy and the rights of the individual. He was a major influence on the French Revolution and the development of the modern social contract. Rousseau’s most famous works include The Social Contract, his autobiography Confessions, and his novel Emile. His ideas on education and government were revolutionary for the time an had a lasting impact on the way people think about these topics. He was a strong advocate for democracy, believing that it was the only form of government that could protect the rights of the individual. He also argued for a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources and believed that people should be free to pursue their own interests. Rousseau’s philosophy has been widely studied and discussed since his death, and his works continue to be read and discussed today. He is considered one of the most important figures of the Enlightenment and his legacy of political and social reform lives on. His work has profoundly shaped modern political thought and continues to be an important reference point for political theorists and philosopher.