[kosta50]

Basically, Rousseau’s idea of the social contract was that each man has the right to participate directly in the management of the state?

Yes, Rousseau believed the direct democracy was the preferred form of government.

And that direction was?

Lawlessness and anarchy.

[YHAOS]

“Rousseau believed the direct democracy was the preferred form of government.”

Merciful Heavens! Whatever led Monsieur Rousseau to think that twenty eight million Frenchmen could make a ‘direct’ democracy (a ‘pure’ democracy?) work? Or, for that matter, twenty eight million of anyone.

“Lawlessness and anarchy.”

An inevitable outcome, surely. Lawlessness and anarchy . . . the fruits of the “social contract.” Monsieur Rousseau is thought brilliant? Yet, this was the best he could do? Like today’s Socialist Democrat, perhaps Rousseau was judged by his intentions and not by his results. So . . . when his ideas failed, a bunch of thugs took over and declared themselves the new elite. We seem to be repeating history.