Basic Political Writings Horror Book Review

“Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.” - probably Rousseau’s most famous line. The Basic Political Writings contains four key works:


* Discourse on the Sciences and the Arts

* Discourse on the Origins of Inequality

* Discourse on Political Economy

* On the Social Contract (where the above quote is from)


Rousseau was certainly controversial 250 years ago when he first was published, and because of that, remains both interesting and relevant today. His admontions on governmental action, democracy, authoritarianism, “progress” and religion are all relevant, and make one think. Though certainly not onsidered a moderate in his day, Rousseau’s position would largely be considered the middle way today.