According to Rousseau’s speech, what does the social contract primarily aim to achieve?
“I observe that humans are born essentially good, but it is the corrupting influences of society that lead us astray. The social contract must be formed not to merely serve individual interests, but to promote the common good of all citizens. In a society where mutual interest governs our actions, the general will can prevail over selfish desires. My contention is that true freedom is only possible when we collaborate and sublimate our individual impulses to collective progress. Yet, it is also clear that if society imposes undue collection of private interests, we lose our intrinsic virtue. We must therefore be vigilant in ensuring that laws serve the public interest rather than personal gain. Let the voice of the people be the guiding force in all matters of governance.”
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, The Social Contract Address, 1762
The protection of individual property rights without compromise.
The establishment of absolute authority by sovereign leaders.
The relegation of government roles to decentralized local bodies.
The promotion of the common good through the general will.
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