U1 T1 Philosophers of the Origins of Government (page 12-13)

Nature has made men equal in the abilities of body and mind. From this equality of ability arises equality of hope in the pursuit of goals. Therefore, if any two men desire the same thing, and they cannot both acquire it, they become enemies and seek to destroy or subdue one another. This pitting of man against man leads to war. . . . In order to live a contented life and escape the miserable condition of war, men must be subject to a strong, absolute government. The fear of punishment will force them to treat each other fairly and justly, doing to others as we would be done to.

The law of nature says that all people are equal and independent, and no one should harm another’s life, health, liberty, or property. In order to live together safely, comfortably, and peacefully, men join together to form a community. In this way, they protect their lives and their property. In forming this community, they are making a government, in which the majority makes the decisions for the group. Because men enter society to protect their natural rights, when the government tries to take away or destroy the people’s life, liberty, or property, the government puts itself in a state of war with the people. When this happens, the people no longer need to obey the government.

Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains. . . . This is because Man has given up his freedom in order to preserve his life. . . . This primitive [out-of-date] condition can subsist no longer. . . . The problem is to find a form of association which will defend and protect the life and property of each member of society while also allowing each member to obey himself alone and remain as free as before. This is the fundamental problem of which the Social Contract provides the solution. . . . Under the contract, individuals commit themselves completely to the community. Each person puts himself and all his power under the direction of the community, or general will. Joined together, each member is an equally important part of the whole.