Modern Times

The modern period has a large degree of civilization and inequality, slavery and pain. This is not a coincidence.

Ancient Times

The ancient period had little civilization and inequality, and also no slavery and little pain. This is also not a coincidence, in Rousseau's view.

The State of Nature

The state of nature is the home of the noble savage who considers only his need to survive but has a drive to seek his good and to not cause harm to others.

The Modern State

The modern state was created by the rich to protect the property they had acquired from the revolt of the poor.

The General Will

The Second Discourse argues that today all men live under tyranny but that a path to freedom is available. This idea will come to be known as the General Will but is known as the single will...