Jefferson and Rousseau
Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence and Jean Jacques Rousseau's The Origin of Civil Society describe their theories based on the concept of freedom and liberty. They both search for a solution to try end tyranny and corruption. However the way they go about proposing solutions somewhat differs. For example, Rousseau's theory of the Social Contract asks the people to sacrifice their natural liberty and ability to steal, in-exchange for civil liberty and ownership of property. Jefferson's answer to forever freeing America from tyrannical rule is the Declaration of Independence. It allows people to elect a leader and also gives them the duty to overthrow a government if ruled unfairly. Within their differences come similarities, such as how they both believe man is born free and equal or how they were advocates of a democratic society."Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains. Many a man believes himself to be the master of others who is, no less then they, a slave." Rousseau says man is born free, but because of society man become less and less free. The government, and its laws bind the people down, but the people gain benefits from the government. Rousseau believed people
Rousseau mentions about how "Children remain bound to their father for only just so long as they feel the need of him for their self preservation." This is similar to what another fellow philosopher, Thomas Jefferson, was fighting for. He wanted to free America from King George III's burden because America no longer needed Britain to survive. King George III wouldn't just give America their independence, so there was a revolution fought. The Americans won and forced King George to agree to Jefferson's Declaration of Independence. This document grants independence to America and also makes it known that people have rights. are born "good", but society has corrupted them. He knows that without rules and guidance people will become chaotic and savage. Also possessions are the keys that open many evils and start many wars. As a result, Rousseau proposed the theory of the Social Contract. This utilitarian contract asks people to give up their natural liberty and their ability to take other's belongings in exchange for civil liberty and ownership of possessions. The gains from the contract are far greater then the people's former state of nature. However, if one chooses not to accept it, he or she will retain his or her natural liberty. Though many might not see the contract beneficial for the individual, the contract is created to serve the general will. Rousseau is an advocate of democracy. His Social Contract didn't want
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 976
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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