October 24, 2023

The social contract
by Jean Jacques Rousseau: still relevant?

Reflections on news

When the Berlin Wall fell, I was a young student who had visited Berlin before its collapse. I had the opportunity to witness the differences between East and West Berlin. During my visit to East Berlin, I remember being reprimanded by a police officer for laughing and talking with friends, barefoot, on a sunny day in the gardens in front of the Brandenburg Gate. The officer explained that while laughter and conversation were allowed, going barefoot in those gardens was not. We were shocked by this statement, which directly touched upon our freedom for the first time, even if only minimally.

So, when the Wall fell, there was an atmosphere of optimism, and we believed that conflicts in Europe had come to an end. Now, with the war in Ukraine and ongoing war in Israel between Jews and Muslims, I see the hope for even a modest opening fading.

As I mentioned in my previous articles, I was reflecting on Rousseau’s concept of the Social Contract. This led me to recognize that the freedom of all depends on a just social contract among all parties involved. Some philosophical and strategic thoughts never lose their intrinsic value, and this concept becomes increasingly clear to me.

The social contract

The Social Contract was published in 1762. In this work, Rousseau explores the concept of the social contract, a theory that explains the legitimacy of the state’s authority over individuals. The central theme revolves around how individuals can voluntarily come together to form a political community and establish a system of government.

Rousseau argues that individuals can willingly enter into a collective agreement, limiting some of their natural freedoms to create a civil society governed by agreed-upon principles. This is metaphorically termed the general will and serves as the foundation for governance. He also introduces the concept of a civil religion, which is based on a set of values and beliefs that form the basis of society itself. Moreover, he makes a distinction between true freedom and true equality, asserting that these can be achieved only within the bounds of a fair social contract.

It is correctly emphasized that the success of the social contract can be compromised by several factors. For instance, the lack of access to adequate education, overly stringent religious influences, and a low quality of life can deprive individuals of the tools to understand and participate in the social contract.

Religion, if taken to extremes, can foster divisions rather than promote unity. Similarly, a lack of education can result in individuals ill-prepared to make informed political decisions. Poverty and poor living conditions can further exacerbate these issues, leading to a breakdown of the social contract, social unrest, and even the erosion of state authority.

In this light, Rousseau’s exploration of the social contract is not only about establishing a just government but also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential obstacles and challenges that can arise when factors such as religion, inadequate education, and socioeconomic disparities are not properly addressed within a society.

Scattered thoughts

Hence, when we make the choice to leave someone behind, when we restrict access to education, or when we exclude instead of including, we inflict harm upon our community, workplaces, and society at large. While we frequently discuss the ideals of inclusion and fair compensation, it is crucial to ask ourselves if we genuinely hold these principles dear and, even more significantly, if we actively implement them.

Each of us bears an individual responsibility, and we have the power to take an active role in enhancing our families, communities, workplaces, and the broader society. Reflecting on these matters and taking a firm stance, however small, represents a commitment we should not evade. The consequences of lacking courage and consistency are evident for all to see, across various domains.

In our own modest capacity, alongside our social media marketing group, we remain committed to upholding these vital principles within our company. We cannot stress enough that certain ideas, even if rooted in the past, warrant continual dissemination and discussion.