Rousseau is known as the forerunner of the French Revolution. He called for a "return to nature" which included a society demonstrating true equality.

Rousseau's main philosophical works, which outline his social and political ideals, include: The New Eloise; Emile, or On Education; and The Social Contract

Rousseau was the first political philosopher who, while exploring the origins of the state, attempted to explain the causes of social inequality and its forms. He believed that the state existed through a social contract with the people.

Rousseau's writings rebuke modern society for inequalities, while providing ethical instruction and encouraging the science of compassion.

• DISCOURSE ON THE ARTS AND SCIENCES
• DISCOURSE ON THE ORIGIN AND BASIS OF INEQUALITY AMONG MEN
• DISCOURSE ON POLITICAL ECONOMY
• ÉMILE, OR ON EDUCATION
• THE SOCIAL CONTRACT OR PRINCIPLES OF POLITICAL RIGHT
• CONSTITUTIONAL PROJECT FOR CORSICA
• CONSIDERATIONS ON THE GOVERNMENT OF POLAND
• REVERIES OF A SOLITARY WALKER
• THE CONFESSIONS OF JEAN-JACQUES ROUSSEAU