A Happy Society

At first reading, Jean Rousseau’s “The Social Contract” and Ayn Rand’s “Anthem” seem to contain two different philosophies, including completely different views on how a society should be run. While one is free, another is bound by rules. However the goal of both social doctrines is the achievement of happiness. Both of these philosophies impose order on society. Rousseau’s society views social order based on the natural inclination to find freedom. Anthem forces order on the society from the outside, rules and laws. Both Rousseau and Rand seek a harmonious society, but Anthem begins with a different means of trying to achieve that goal.
Rousseau feels that in order to be free, you must first agree to it. He relies on the society to help itself and do what ever is best for self preservation. “Duty and interest therefore equally oblige the two contracting parties to give each other help;” (Ch.5) Rousseau realizes that individuals may have interests contrary ...