The Social Contract
The Social Contract
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Overview
In The Social Contract, Rousseau explores the concept of freedom and the political structures that may enable people to acquire it. He argues that the sovereign power of a state lies not in any one ruler but in the will of the general population and that the ideal state would be a direct democracy where executive decision-making is carried out by citizens who meet in assembly, as they would in the ancient city-state of Athens.
The thoughts contained in the work were instrumental to the advent of the American Revolution and became sacred to those leading the French Revolution.
With traces of Aristotle and echoes of Plato’s Republic, The Social Contract is an exhilarating look at society and the definition of democracy.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781094014586 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Naxos |
| Publication date: | 01/14/2020 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
| Product dimensions: | 5.30(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.00(d) |
About the Author
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) was one of the most influential thinkers during the Enlightenment in eighteenth-century Europe. His works were, and are, widely read, and he has been firmly established as a significant intellectual figure. His works and ideas influenced several noted philosophers and leaders of the French Revolution.
Neville Jason is an award–winning narrator, as well as a television and stage actor. He has earned seven AudioFile Earphones Awards and been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. He is a former member of the Old Vic Company, the English Stage Company, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the Birmingham Repertory Company. While training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, he was awarded the diction prize by Sir John Gielgud.
Table of Contents
| Foreword | 11 | |
| Book I | ||
| I | Subject of the First Book | 14 |
| II | The First Societies | 14 |
| III | The Right of the Strongest | 16 |
| IV | Slavery | 17 |
| V | That We Must Always Go Back to a First Convention | 21 |
| VI | The Social Contract | 22 |
| VII | The Sovereign | 24 |
| VIII | The Civil State | 26 |
| IX | Real Property | 28 |
| Book II | ||
| I | That Sovereignty Is Inalienable | 31 |
| II | That Sovereignty Is Indivisible | 32 |
| III | Whether the General Will Is Fallible | 34 |
| IV | The Limits of the Sovereign Power | 36 |
| V | The Right of Life and Death | 39 |
| VI | Law | 41 |
| VII | The Legislator | 44 |
| VIII | The People | 48 |
| IX | The People (cont.) | 50 |
| X | The People (cont.) | 52 |
| XI | The Various Systems of Legislation | 55 |
| XII | The Division of the Laws | 57 |
| Book III | ||
| I | Government in General | 59 |
| II | The Constituent Principle in the Various Forms of Government | 64 |
| III | The Division of Governments | 67 |
| IV | Democracy | 68 |
| V | Aristocracy | 70 |
| VI | Monarchy | 73 |
| VII | Mixed Governments | 78 |
| VIII | That All Forms of Government Do Not Suit All Countries | 79 |
| IX | The Marks of a Good Government | 84 |
| X | The Abuse of Government and Its Tendency to Degenerate | 85 |
| XI | The Death of the Body Politic | 88 |
| XII | How a Sovereign Authority Maintains Itself | 89 |
| XIII | How a Sovereign Authority Maintains Itself (cont.) | 90 |
| XIV | How a Sovereign Authority Maintains Itself (cont.) | 92 |
| XV | Deputies or Representatives | 93 |
| XVI | That the Institution of Government Is Not a Contract | 97 |
| XVII | The Institution of Government | 98 |
| XVIII | How to Check the Usurpations of Government | 99 |
| Book IV | ||
| I | That the General Will Is Destructible | 103 |
| II | Voting | 105 |
| III | Elections | 108 |
| IV | The Roman Comitia | 110 |
| V | The Tribunate | 120 |
| VI | The Dictatorship | 122 |
| VII | The Censorship | 125 |
| VIII | Civil Religion | 126 |
| IX | Conclusion | 137 |
Interviews
On Thursday, July 15th, barnesandnoble.com welcomed Jim Brickman to discuss DESTINY.
Moderator: Welcome, Jim Brickman! You have the distinction of being the first musician in our Auditorium since we launched our music site. What an honor for us, and we're thrilled to be discussing your album, DESTINY. How are you this evening?
Jim Brickman: I am great.
Amy from Mustang, OK: Hello, Jim. I was wondering when you started writing piano music. I am 12 and writing music myself (though it's not very good). I have been playing the piano for a little over six years. I think that you are a really talented pianist, and you're definitely my favorite composer.
Jim Brickman: Thank you very much. I am thrilled to hear from people who play the piano. I started when I was 4 years old, and, frankly, I wasn't very good at your age either. I didn't start writing music until I was 16, and I wasn't sure I knew what I was doing. I just played from my heart and soul. I think it is very important to follow your heart and not to feel like you need to be further along than you really are. Just take it as it comes and let it flow.
Bryan McPherson from Clearwater, FL: Why did your style of music change from the successful format of the first two CDs? Your style with the first was inspirational and soothing, without the vocals. What made you want to add voices to your CDs? How long have you been playing piano? Will you be coming to Tampa, Florida, in the near future, as I unfortunately had a family emergency and was unable to attend your concert when you were in the area the last time.
Jim Brickman: I feel that my style has grown through the albums. At the core it will always be solo piano, but I feel that it is important to keep stretching and growing. I need to keep learning with my audience. I have always been a songwriter, so I love writing words and music. I felt that the combo of solo piano with added vocals gave a little something for everyone. I believe I am coming to Tampa in November at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Check the web site -- www.jimbrickman.com.
Moderator: You were classically trained at the Cleveland Institute of Music. How did that training affect your work as a pop composer and performer?
Jim Brickman: The best thing about being trained classically is the foundation and discipline it gives you. I try to think of my education as being sort of a platform to go on and do the thing that is really in your heart.
Jan from Detroit: What effect do you think the Internet will have on the music industry? Are you a fan of MP3?
Jim Brickman: I think that it has a huge impact on the way music is sold and heard. I am a fan of MP3 because I believe that it reaches people who might not ordinarily find me.
Bob D. from Phoenix, AZ: How do you feel about having the "new age" label applied to your music?
Jim Brickman: I don't really mind labels of any kind because people make their own determination of what they like and what they don't. I don't think someone would not buy my record just because it is called "new age." I don't care what they call it -- as long as they buy it!
Malinda from Chicago: Was there a particular inspiration for your new album, DESTINY? Do you have a favorite song on it?
Jim Brickman: The inspiration for DESTINY really came from my own personal experience of ending up doing this for my career. I didn't have any idea that this would be happening to me. I always loved music and enjoyed playing the piano, but I never sought any fame or celebrity attached with that. For me, I really feel we are all meant to do certain things, and the choices that we make lead us to our destination.
Bonnie from Nashua, NH: Your music is so emotional. Do you use music as an outlet for when you're upset or joyful? When are you most creative?
Jim Brickman: Music is definitely an outlet for my emotions. Sometimes it is easier for me to speak through music than to verbalize my thoughts. I don't tend to write music when I am happy. I would say that the emotional moments in life bring out my music focus.
Kathy from Pennsylvania: Will you be doing a CD any time soon with you singing all the lyrics? You have a great voice, and we'd like to hear it more often!
Jim Brickman: When did you hear me sing? I don't plan on doing an all-vocal album any time soon. I feel most comfortable singing live in concert, and as I do it more and more I get more comfortable with it. Possibly one or two songs but never a Jim Brickman CD, all vocal.
Joan from New York: Hi, Jim! Of all the albums that you have produced, which one is your favorite?
Jim Brickman: It is so hard to say because they are all sort of reflections of different times in my life. But I would have to say that BY HEART is closest to my heart.
Moderator: What inspires you? Is it a person, an event, a song lyric?
Jim Brickman: I am inspired by human relationships more than anything. I don't tend to write about places or inanimate objects unless something has happen there with me and someone else or friends. I tend to write about love, friendship, and emotional connections.
Amanda from Takoma Park, MD: Do you have children? If so, do you hope they grow up to be musicians?
Jim Brickman: I don't have any children yet, but it is something I look very much forward to. One of the things that I have learned from my parents is that you have to let people be who they are, so I guess if that is what they want to do, then that is what they are going to be.
Neil R. from Seattle, WA: Since you are such a great pianist, I was wondering what other pianists you admire a lot.
Jim Brickman: I am a big fan of a composer named Erik Satie as well as some of the old George Gershwin musicians. I am not that inspired by contemporary pianists. I feel that in order to be unique you have to have your own voice.
Audra Ann from Boston: Jim, I love how romantic your music is.... Is there anyone in particular you are writing such romantic music for?
Jim Brickman: Well of course!
Danny from Lincolnshire: How long did it take you to become as good as you are?
Jim Brickman: That is an interesting question. I think it is something that evolves. You can't control it. You have to work hard and take it seriously and believe that you have something to say with your music. All of those things together make the music successful.
Lynne D. from Atlanta, GA: You've worked with a lot of great musicians like Carly Simon, Martina McBride, and Herb Alpert. What other artists do you want to work with?
Jim Brickman: I like to work with a very diverse group of people. It helps me to keep learning and exposes my audience to some unique combinations. On my list it could be anyone from Bruce Springsteen to Pavarotti.
Kate from Sarasota: What are some of your favorite books? Are you an avid reader?
Jim Brickman: I am an avid reader, and lately I have been reading the Julia Cameron book THE ARTIST'S WAY, as well as her follow-up to that, THE RIGHT TO WRITE.
Lisa S. from Pensacola, FL: Do you enjoy giving concerts? I really love your music. Please keep writing and playing more.
Jim Brickman: I love performing in concert. It is my favorite thing to do. There is nothing like a live audience to inspire a performer.
Suzanne from Toronto, Ontario: Michelle Wright is so great singing "Your Love." How did you find her, and are you going to write more songs for her?
Jim Brickman: I agree with you. She is one of my favorite singers. We are actually part of the same record company, which is how I met her, and we are working on a brand-new album together, and I will be one of the producers.
Moderator: What comes after DESTINY? What can your many fans expect next?
Jim Brickman: Good question! I would imagine that the very next thing would be a live concert album. Either that or an album of lullabies.
Ginny from Camden, ME: Hi, Jim. Who is your favorite artist? Who would you say influenced you the most?
Jim Brickman: I was influenced by many people but most by Carole King, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, et cetera.
Bryan Underwood from Wytheville, VA: Good evening, Jim! I have been a fan of yours for quite a few years, having collected all of your solo projects and every compilation you have appeared. Plus, I have attended many of your concerts. I have been known to make a six-hour drive to hear you. In other words, I am a devoted fan! Now for my question. What advice could you give someone such as me who is looking to have his own original piano compositions/recordings heard by more than his adoring friends and family? I already do some studio work but would like to put more effort into my composition and performing solo. Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated. You are the best!
Jim Brickman: First of all, thank you for your support of my music, Bryan, and continued luck with your music as well. I feel that it is very important to put yourself in an environment where the music business surrounds you, for example, Nashville, Los Angeles, New York City -- places where you will find people to learn from, grow from, and experiment with -- and to always have colleagues around. In every business you need to have colleagues, and it is very hard to do that unless you live in one of these places. I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio, and if I hadn't ventured to L.A., there is no way I would be where I am today. It also takes an incredible amount of dedication, and you have to want it more than anything else in the world.
Rhonda from Berkeley, CA: I have all your records and listen to them all the time. (I like PICTURE THIS best!) Do you listen to your own records? Do you have a favorite?
Jim Brickman: I hardly ever listen to my records. In many ways it is a reflection of a period of time in my life, and I like to keep looking forward. Sometimes in a weak moment I will go back to listen to something, and it is such a strange experience because it reminds me of that time in my life and it is so strange. That is the power of music.
Claire from Portland, ME: Jim: What would you consider your signature song?
Jim Brickman: Hi, Claire! I have to say it is an instrumental song called "Angel Eyes" (BY HEART) and as a vocal song, without a doubt "Valentine" (PICTURE THIS).
Moderator: Thank you, Jim Brickman, for joining us tonight. Do you have any final words for our audience?
Jim Brickman: I really appreciate all the kind words, and I look forward to seeing you at a concert sometime soon. Thanks again.