Book II, Chapter 3
Rousseau distinguishes the general will from the will of all: 'the general will studies only the common interest while the will of all studies private interest.'
Read in Books4Free →The General Will
From The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
The general will is the collective will of the sovereign people aimed at the common good, distinct from the mere sum of private wills (the will of all).
Book II, Chapter 1
Argues sovereignty is the exercise of the general will and cannot be alienated.
Read in Books4Free →Book IV, Chapter 1
Claims the general will is always right and tends to the public advantage.
Read in Books4Free →Read or Listen to The Social Contract on Books4Free
Every chapter free to read. Free audio narration on the opening chapter. Plus an AI study assistant that knows the book.
Open in Books4Free →