[rbmillerjr]

I agree with you that Locke is more the true father of the American Revolution. But you are taking Rousseau a bit out of context. You make some good points, but remember that the Founders of our Revolution read all of these men as young men. Rousseau died in 1778 - He was among a list of several men read often by our Founders.

The 3 Locke, Hume, and Rouseau each had an impact on challenging totalitarian and momarchical rule.

Many mistake several of his works for being early foundations of Marxism and totalitarianism (maybe that is why liberals mistakenly revere him) but he is a much more complex thinker than that. ***Rousseau's primary contribution is reinforcing into the founders a radical belief in that historical era, giving them an eloquent and reasoned condemnation of absolute monarchy - and in that time perspective - a zinging critique of the European oppression by totalitarian monarchs. These radical beliefs along with his approach to spring liberty to all people with the elimination of totalitarianism is a huge contribution to European liberal democracy - and to our own Founding Fathers and thus, our American political system and liberty.

[Sir Francis Dashwood]

But you are taking Rousseau a bit out of context.

I disagree. Rousseau did make a contribution, however looking at certain events of his life - - taking his six children to the orphanage as soon as they were born, is most telling...

[PsyOp]

he is a much more complex thinker than that. ***Rousseau's primary contribution is reinforcing into the founders a radical belief in that historical era, giving them an eloquent and reasoned condemnation of absolute monarchy

Bravo! My point about the man in a nutshell. Thanks.