Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Influence On Society

Jean-Jacques Rousseau influenced many people in the eighteenth century, including Robespierre and Maria Montessori. With his strong say in social inequality and dysfunctional democracy, he not only managed to impact the life of leaders and other famous philosophes during the French Revolution, but also help shape the world we live in today. Rousseau believed in a Direct Democracy, meaning that everyone has the right to an individual vote. In other words, he strongly influenced the development of the Liberal, Conservative, and Socialist theory. Likewise, today in Canada, we have individual voting for everyone above the age of eighteen. In addition, Rousseau also influenced movements for political reforms and revolutions in Europe. His “Social Contract,” stating that everyone is equal and good by nature, but corrupted by society, caused an uproar. The contract also argued against the idea that monarchs were empowered to legislate. However, Rousseau developed theories that some, or even all people would govern.
He argued that everyone was socially equal. For example, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, are “modern day Rousseau’s.” Mandela made many inspiring speeches on equality, one speech including a very important quote, “social equality is the only basis of human happiness.” Moreover, Martin Luther King Jr, like Mandela, also made many important speeches. This quote, “we must learn to live together as brothers