Rousseau is known as the forerunner of the French Revolution. He called for a "return to nature" which included a society demonstrating true equality.

Rousseau's main philosophical works, which outline his social and political ideals, include: The New Eloise; Emile, or On Education; and The Social Contract.

Rousseau was the first political philosopher who, while exploring the origins of the state, attempted to explain the causes of social inequality and its forms. He believed that the state existed through a social contract with the people.

Rousseau's writings rebuke modern society for inequalities, while providing ethical instruction and encouraging the science of compassion.

DISCOURSE ON THE ARTS AND SCIENCES

DISCOURSE ON THE ORIGIN AND BASIS OF INEQUALITY AMONG MEN

DISCOURSE ON POLITICAL ECONOMY

ÉMILE, OR ON EDUCATION

THE SOCIAL CONTRACT OR PRINCIPLES OF POLITICAL RIGHT

CONSTITUTIONAL PROJECT FOR CORSICA

CONSIDERATIONS ON THE GOVERNMENT OF POLAND

REVERIES OF A SOLITARY WALKER

THE CONFESSIONS OF JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU