Rousseau s Beliefs On The Form Of Governments Essay

â€Å"The strongest is never strong enough to be always the master, unless he transforms strength into right, and obedience into duty†. Therefore in order to obtain power it is essential to understanding it as Rousseau states. For, one must force right and duty on man to make them free in the sovereign. In his writings from the social contract Rousseau outlines what the sort of government should be. Therefore, the aim of this essay will firstly be to analyze and outline Rousseau’s held beliefs on the form of governments. Secondly, what this sort of government will achieve. Finally the essay will examine Rousseau’s contribution to political thought in contemporary era. Jean-Jacques Rousseau is one of the most influential intellectuals in political philosophy of the 18th century. His writings have influenced generations of intellectuals. His political writings originate from his philosophical essay â€Å"the social contract†. Therefore it must be viewed as being the culmination and summary of his most profound theories on key political concepts. One of his central concepts in the social contract is the â€Å"general will†. From book 2 of chapter 3 Rousseau states â€Å"our will is always for our own good, but we do not always see what that is; the people is never corrupted, but it is often deceived and on such occasions only does it seem to what is bad†. In this passage Rousseau outlines two very important differences between the â€Å"general will† as well as between the people. In that each of usShow MoreRelatedThe Political Landscape Of France1367 Words   |  6 Pageslong time before the Enlightenment. The economic a nd military gains made by Louis XIV, the Sun King, ultimately crippled the country later when the Estates General failed to overthrow the French government democratically and peacefully. 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