Jean-Jacques Rousseau: The Mind Behind 'On the Social Contract' (1712 - 1778)

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, born in 1712, was a Genevan philosopher whose ideas profoundly influenced the Enlightenment era. His seminal work, "On the Social Contract," published in 1762, explored the concept of the general will and the basis for legitimate government. Rousseau argued that individuals should voluntarily submit to the authority of the community for the common good, emphasizing the importance of equality and freedom. Despite his influential contributions to political philosophy, Rousseau's ideas sparked controversy and criticism from contemporaries and later thinkers alike. He died in 1778, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to shape discussions on governance, democracy, and individual rights.