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Man was born free and everywhere he is in chains

These are the famous opening words of a treatise that has stirred vigorous debate ever since its first publication in 1762 Rejecting the view that anyone has a natural right to wield authority over others Rousseau argues instead for a pact or social contract that should exist between all the citizens of a state and that should be the source of sovereign power From this fundamental premise he goes on to consider issues of liberty and law freedom and justice arriving at a view of society that has seemed to some a blueprint for totalitarianism to others a declaration of democratic principles

Translated by Quintin Hoare 2012 P Penguin Audio 2022