Jean Jacques Rousseau was a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer of the 18th century. Jean Jacques Rousseau's political philosophy influenced the Enlightenment in France and across Europe, as well as aspects of the French Revolution and the overall development of modern political and educational thought. On Political Economy is one of Jean Jacques Rousseau's works which has influenced politics & government throughout the world. On Political Economy espouses Jean Jacques Rousseau's concepts of The General Will as a way for individuals' self interest to unite for a common good. Jean Jacques Rousseau explains that the origing of the word Economy, or OEconomy, is derived from oikos, a house, and nomos, law, and meant originally only the wise and legitimate government of the house for the common good of the whole family. The meaning of the term was then extended to the government of that great family, the State. To distinguish these two senses of the word, the latter is called general or political economy, and the former domestic or particular economy. Rousseau goes on to explain that two senses of the word economy differ too much in extent to be regulated in the same manner. On Political Economy is often required reading for courses in economics, philosophy, political economy, politics & government, and politics & social sciences.