How did Robespierre aim to achieve the general will?
The general will, as articulated by Rousseau, represents the collective good of the people, distinct from the sum of individual desires. My objective was to align the actions of government with this unwavering purpose. This required the eradication of factionalism, self-interest, and any influence that sought to divide the citizenry or corrupt the revolutionary ideal. Through reasoned discourse, as evidenced in my speeches and reports, I sought to enlighten the people and ensure that our collective decisions reflected the pursuit of universal justice and the common good. The suppression of counter-revolutionary elements was a necessary, albeit severe, measure to safeguard this pursuit.
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