Rousseau and the Artists of the French Revolution

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, (1712-1778) was a French social philosopher and writer. His book Du Contrat Social, ou Principes du droit politique (Social Contract) published in 1762, emphasised the rights of the people over the government and was a significant influence on the French Revolution . Rousseau believed that people were not social beings by nature. He stated that ‘Society corrupts individuals by bringing out their inclination toward aggression and selfishness’ . Fundamental to Rousseau’s beliefs for the utopia …

…more important than an individual. In his capacity as member of the Committee of General Security, David was party to sanctioning nearly 300 arrested individuals to the guillotine . Rousseau’s words were used by Robespierre and others as justification of the Reign of Terror. Therefore it can be stated that either directly, or indirectly - “let him be punished by death” , both individuals were prepared for blood to be spilt in the cause for improved state.