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On the Social Contract

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On the Social Contract

By: Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Narrated by: Erik Sandval
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About this listen

 "Man was born free, but everywhere he is in chains." Thus begins Jean-Jacques Rousseau's influential 1762 work, On the Social Contract, a milestone of political science, and essential reading for students of history, philosophy, and social science. A progressive work, it inspired world-wide political reforms, most notably the American and French Revolutions, because it argued that monarchs were not divinely empowered to legislate. Rousseau asserts that only the people, in the form of the sovereign, have that all powerful right.

On the Social Contract's appeal and influence has been wide-ranging and continuous. It has been called an encomium to democracy and, at the same time, a blueprint for totalitarianism. Individualists, collectivists, anarchists, and socialists have all taken courage from Rousseau's controversial masterpiece.

Public Domain (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc. European Political Science Politics & Government World Literature Inspiring French Revolution

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On my next journey into philosophy, I came across this little gem and Roussou himself. Needless to say, this book is small, but I believe its concise nature is a strength. it covers enough about all the different political systems, while discussing their pros and cons. There is great clarity to be found here. A wonderful read.

A fascinating dissection into political systems

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Obviously a classic text but the narrator does a poor job. Such a boring and monotone delivery…. was a struggle to get through.

Classic but the narration is tedious

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It is nice to see the the philosophy of Jean-Jacques, although a bit out of date for today's thoughts. It set the basics for a lot of the modern philosophy.

Another Blackstone Audio thought, that makes the story to follow so difficult. It's like its being read by a computer. It's like the narrator is reading a fairy tale and tries to put you to sleep. No colour in voice, plain monotony, no emotion, giving you the illusion that Rousseau had to be one of the most boring persons to ever live.

Classic Enlightenment Philosophy from Rousseau

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The format of the book makes the transition to audio very difficult. At times it is hard to know whether there is a list, paragraph or footnote.

Good source material, poor readout

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These essays should be essential reading for all students, political or not. Why Rousseau is not today taught as a matter of course is revealed in the explosive contemporary relevance of the tract. The writing however can often be dense and anachronistic. This is where the audiobook comes into its own. Clear and pronounced dictation throughout. Lively and
enjoyable…, if you’re into 18th century philo-political theses.

Essential political philosophy

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