Jean-Jacques Rousseau: The Political Influencer during the Age of Enlightenment

Rousseau’s Discourse on Inequality (1755) critiqued the effects of civilization on human beings, arguing that the growth of social institutions and private property led to the corruption of natural human freedom and equality. This work challenged the prevailing ideas of social progress and inspired many of the revolutionary ideals that underpinned the French Revolution two decades later.

Another of Rousseau's most influential works is *The Social Contract* (1762), in which he presented his theory of government. Rousseau famously declared, "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains." In this text, he explored the relationship between individuals and society, advocating for a political system based on collective sovereignty where the general will of the people would guide decisions, a concept that would later influence democratic governance.