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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 98 votes)
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98 reviews
July 15,2025
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The most interesting part of the book - in my opinion - is the section where the belief that the Tatars would rule the world passed. At first glance, it seemed ridiculous when they said that the Russians would never be able to civilize. But when they accused them of "Germanizing" instead of "Russifying", I understood its meaning. A nation cannot civilize if it chooses other values as its target instead of building its own civilization based on its own values. Maybe this will inspire these nationalists, but is this about adhering to their own values to the extent of distortion? Jjr doesn't give the answer to this. But when thought about carefully, it can be seen that blind nationalism conflicts with civilization.

This idea makes us reflect on the relationship between a nation's values and its path to civilization. We need to consider whether it is possible to truly progress and develop while maintaining a strong sense of national identity. It also makes us question the role of external influences and the importance of finding a balance between embracing new ideas and staying true to one's roots.

Overall, this section of the book offers valuable food for thought and encourages us to think more deeply about the complex issues surrounding national identity and civilization.
July 15,2025
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**Title: The Concept of Freedom in Different Eras**

Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains. So begins Rousseau's treatise on his view that only the people have the right to legislate, as a time when Europe was overflowing with absolute monarchies. In that era, the rulers held supreme power and the people were often oppressed. However, in the 21st century, although we don't have the same situation of absolute monarchies, we still have leaders like Gaddafi who claim special rights, whether it be divine or through lineage, to exert control over the people and their resources.


Reading Rousseau's words always makes me ponder, just what is freedom? Is it freedom for a particular purpose? Freedom from certain restrictions? Or freedom of a specific nature? Everyone will have their own interpretation. One of my favorite lines from this masterpiece is: Slaves, in their bondage, lose everything, even the desire to be free. They love their servitude even as the companions of Ulysses loved their life as brutes. This statement holds a great deal of truth. We can see examples of this in our modern society, such as in the consumerist culture where people seem to be slaves to material possessions. Just look at the shopping malls, filled with people constantly seeking to acquire more. Book Season = Year Round, which implies that the exploration of ideas and the pursuit of knowledge should be a continuous process, just like the concept of freedom, which should always be at the forefront of our minds.

July 15,2025
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It is prohibited for the translator who did it with the book!!

It won't be valuable because I'm sure that the book is better than the meaningless thing that I read.

This statement clearly shows the importance and preference for the original book over something that is considered to be without meaning.

Perhaps the translator's work did not meet the expectations or did not do justice to the essence and value of the book.

It emphasizes the significance of the original text and how it can often be superior to any translated or alternative version.

By expressing this view, it also implies a certain level of disappointment with the translated work and a reaffirmation of the worth and quality of the book itself.

Overall, it highlights the importance of respecting and valuing the original when it comes to literary works.
July 15,2025
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I am truly overjoyed that I have completed this book.

Laws hold their binding power only when they are buttressed by the general will of the people.

I discovered that I was able to comprehend the majority of this book.

Particularly precise are the following points:

1) In public affairs, nothing poses a greater danger than the sway of private interests.

2) The English people deludes itself into believing that it is free; it is seriously misled; it is free only during the election of Members of Parliament; once the Members are elected, the people is enslaved. (This statement becomes truer with each passing week - just look at the antics in 2022 regarding the leadership of the Tories).

The book has provided me with valuable insights and made me reflect on various aspects of society and governance. It has opened my eyes to the importance of the general will and the potential pitfalls of private interests in public affairs.

I am grateful for having had the opportunity to read and understand this book, and I look forward to applying the knowledge I have gained to my own life and interactions.
July 15,2025
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The book is "The Social Contract" from the "Treasure of Heritage Books" series by Hlami Murad.

It contains a summary of four important books, two of which are by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, namely "The Social Contract" and "Emile", and also the "Iliad" and "Odyssey" by Homer.

The book also includes a summary of the life of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and how he suffered due to the different ideas that were an important part of awakening French minds and leading to the French Revolution.

"The Social Contract" is an important book that explains how society originated and developed into its current form with rulers having authoritarian powers like the police and the judiciary. It also shows Rousseau's opposing view to this and his demand for a return to nature and not submitting to the terms of the contract that burden citizens with obligations whose purpose is to deprive them of freedom in exchange for obtaining some formal rights that do not serve the interests of the ordinary citizen.

The second book, "Emile", contains some advice on the education of children, most of which revolves around freedom and focusing on morality.

Of course, the "Iliad" and "Odyssey" are rich in description.

The book is concise and enjoyable despite being very short, as it has only 160 pages.
July 15,2025
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For an unmanaged collective living arrangement, the description of the "designs" and "plans" of the prototype state system.

It would be great to think that although everything must be there, it has been fully realized. But today, I felt as if this book had been read and the exact opposite of what was in it was being implemented. There is a plan, but we are rotating on the wheels of a system that operates outside the plan...

This situation makes one wonder about the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed designs and plans. Are they truly capable of creating the ideal collective living arrangement? Or are there inherent flaws or unforeseen circumstances that prevent their full realization?

Perhaps more in-depth analysis and consideration are needed to address these issues. Maybe adjustments and improvements can be made to the plans to better适应 the complex reality. Only then can we hope to achieve a more harmonious and efficient collective living environment.
July 15,2025
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Great Philosophies

Philosophy is not just about thinking; it implies a particular kind of thought. This remarkable book has achieved precisely that. It combines three books that offer a concise overview of the ways numerous philosophers perceive the world. Beyond that, the Social Contract theory lies at the very heart and soul of this phenomenal manuscript. If adhered to, its practices would eradicate a significant amount of the useless egoism and its self-centered and consequential behaviors.

For those who desire a moment of constructive and peaceful meditation within the realm of philosophical speculations, this book would undoubtedly fulfill that purpose. It is highly recommended as it provides valuable insights into different philosophical perspectives and has the potential to bring about positive changes in our thinking and behavior.

Whether you are a philosophy enthusiast or simply someone interested in exploring new ideas, this book is sure to captivate your mind and expand your understanding of the world.
July 15,2025
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Another excellent book by Rousseau was one that discussed political and governance issues from a sociological perspective. I read this 250-page book without stopping and with great pleasure.


After reading Rousseau's books, I have a very pleasant and enjoyable feeling that I cannot compare with reading any other book.


Rousseau's works offer profound insights into various aspects of society and politics. His ideas and arguments are thought-provoking and have had a significant impact on the development of social and political thought.


The book I mentioned earlier delved deep into the complex issues of political systems and governance, presenting different perspectives and analyses. It made me think about the role of government in society, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and the challenges and opportunities of modern governance.


Overall, reading Rousseau's books has been a truly enriching experience for me. It has broadened my horizons, deepened my understanding of society and politics, and left me with a lasting impression.

July 15,2025
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This was truly incredible. It is one of the greatest political philosophy works that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Right within the tradition of Machiavelli, Rousseau has an elegant and sophisticated way of approaching political philosophy. His method is exhaustive and comprehensive.

He meticulously delineates the main elements that should compose a state and the methodology behind their very existence in the first place. He delves into every aspect, and does so extremely well. He employs numerous examples to highlight those instances where his ideas have been proven correct.

Above all else, this work is very wise. It states that time and time again, history has demonstrated that there is actually a cycle to civilization. Interestingly enough, it is almost parabolic, reaching its peak at democracy, which Rousseau asserts is clearly unsustainable.

This is an amazing work that I would highly recommend to anyone with an interest in political philosophy. It offers profound insights and a unique perspective on the nature of states and civilization.
July 15,2025
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In light of the time period in which the book was published, it becomes clear to the reader the extent of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's courage for the bold content that never matches the political situation in that period. Indeed, since Rousseau published the book, he has not lived peacefully. He has been pursued everywhere he goes until he left this world. And 30 years after his death, this book was named "The Bible of the French Revolution" because it is based on the principles contained in the book.

The book explains the necessity for the people to govern themselves and safeguard their rights through an elected government that acts as an intermediary between the people and the lord, but the basis of this institution is the people (the lord and the government serve it!!!). And in order for the government to maintain its stability, it must achieve several goals. Among what Rousseau explained in detail, I mention here the necessity of reducing the gap between the poor and the rich. He said: "If you want to give the state stability, bring the two extreme ends as close as you can, and do not tolerate the existence of rich and poor people. These two situations, which cannot be separated from each other by the law of nature, are also a hindrance to the common good. From one of them, the support of tyranny appears, and from the other, tyranny appears. Between them lies the treatment of public freedom, for one buys and the other sells."

It is a beautiful book that deserves to be read. And for me, it needs to be rewritten, but I postpone it in the hope of obtaining a hard copy.

It is important to note that Rousseau's ideas had a profound impact on political thought and social movements. His emphasis on the sovereignty of the people and the need for a just and equal society is still relevant today. The book serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting for the rights and freedoms of all individuals and working towards a more democratic and equitable world.
July 15,2025
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A book rich in definitions is considered one of the most important books of political philosophy. Rousseau's ideas were an influential factor in the French Revolution. Rousseau transferred the passionate emotions that originally belonged only to religion to the realm of civic spirit and love of the country.


The social contract, as Rousseau sees it, is a crucial contract. He imagines that the contract determines the only legitimate source of the law, the only master: the people and the general will. And when the state is established, this will is born from a collective covenant among all citizens.


The people are the master when the law is proclaimed and at the same time they are subject when they obey it. But this subjection does not mean any kind of restriction on freedom. For people enter the founding contract voluntarily and freely.


Rousseau believes that sovereignty cannot be delegated to anyone other than the people. It belongs only to the people and the community, and it returns to them alone. As for the government, which Rousseau calls "the executive body," it is just an agent of the master and has only executive power, and the legislative power monitors the government's actions.


The excellent translation (by Adel Zaiter) and the annotations and marginalia in the (Dar al-Tanwir) edition helped me to understand. The end of the book contains responses to Rousseau and letters from philosophers such as Hume, Kant, Voltaire, and others.

July 15,2025
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He is completely nuts, but also one of the funniest to read because of the accessible language and total narcissism.

You should really give it a try. It's like opening a door to a world of absurdity and hilarity. The way he writes, it's as if he is completely oblivious to how ridiculous he comes across, which only adds to the charm.

His narcissism is on full display, yet it's so entertaining that you can't help but keep turning the pages.

Whether you're looking for a good laugh or just something different to read, this is definitely worth checking out.

So, go ahead and pick up the book or article and prepare to be amused.
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