"The Social Contract" was written by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, published in 1762. This influential work outlined Rousseau's theories on political philosophy and the relationship between individuals and authority. He proposed that legitimate political authority relies on a social contract agreed upon by all citizens, emphasizing the importance of freedom and equality. Rousseau argued that individuals should collectively form a general will, which should guide governance. This idea influenced subsequent political movements and revolutions, particularly the French Revolution, as it presented a radical perspective on democracy and citizenship that challenged traditional views of governance and monarchy.