Freedom as an expression of the general will

Abstract

The state of human freedom is considered a state of nature. This is what Jean-Jacques Rousseau stated, as the condition of acting without any impediment other than that dictated by nature itself: physical limitations. Within the scope of his own body or of an occupied territory (vegetation, lakes, rivers, mountains, irregularity of the soil), man could choose according to the perceptible possibilities offered for the choice. He was not subject to interference from others to prevent him from going in one direction or another, taking advantage of what nature had available. When moving to the social condition, he was faced with the presence of others with their interference in his way of acting. The social condition was necessary for the statement of freedom, supported by the collective will of men, in a society governed by the general will converted into law, with men themselves being its authors. These assumed the status of sovereigns who formulate the law to be followed by all subjects, who are nothing more than citizens, authors of the law that must be obeyed for the good of all, including themselves. This establishes the human being as a free subject, who has his freedom as an expression of his will, common to all. Understanding this freedom holds off the judgment that this is doing whatever you want, especially when this doing means offense and different forms of criminality in relation to others. Freedom, expression of the general will, is the collective will of men, the foundation of legislation, in any of the centuries.