Who is credited with the statement "man is born free but everywhere he is in chains," expressing his views on the Social Contract?

The phrase "man is born free but everywhere he is in chains" is attributed to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, a prominent philosopher of the Enlightenment. Rousseau's work, particularly in his book "The Social Contract," argues that while individuals are born with natural freedom, societal structures and institutions impose limitations on that freedom. He believed that this contradiction could be resolved through a social contract where individuals collectively agree to form a society that respects their personal freedom while ensuring social order.

Rousseau's ideas emphasize that legitimate political authority comes from the consent of the governed, contrasting sharply with other thinkers of his time, who had different views on governance and human nature. This statement encapsulates his belief in the potential for human autonomy in contrast to the constraints placed upon individuals by society. Understanding Rousseau's perspective is crucial for grasping the broader Enlightenment discourse around individual rights and government legitimacy.