Matthew Cannon’s Reviews > The Social Contract > Status Update

Book IV chap 4. Some of the chapters between the two entries I have made were confusing in body politic, general will, interested parties and self contradictory.

Book III chap 17. Found a few more quotes that were interesting. Now that he's moved into representation and authority it's making more sense.

Up to book III chapter 15. Multiple chapters on the rule of law in pursuant of the state and legislative body. Some interesting lines I've heard quoted elsewhere "every constitution has built in its own self destruction" is one.

chap 6 & 7. convoluted writing in explanation of monarchy and mixed government

Chapters on Democracy and Aristocracy. Finally made a few intriguing points but still seems just a tad off the mark. Still wondering where his philosophy lies in its basis and implementation

Chap 11. Still a hodge lodge of thoughts, but he finally said something I can actually agree with: Usurpers always bring about or select troublous times to get passed, under the cover of the public terror, destructive laws, which the people would never adopt in cold blood.

Chapter 10 now he's unto political power of the people and he's self contradictory again.

Chapter 7. Covered the will of the people, death penalty and the law. Writes in circular logic in detente to the "general will" and a corresponding sovereign. Both conflicting in power struggle as each seem to be natural extensions of the people but I don't think so as they have different ends.