This paper discusses the aspects of Rousseau?s understandimg of egoism,
primarily those related to his highlighting of historical dimension of the
problem, including the economical reasons for establishing this practical
principle as an important part of the civil reproduction of life. Among other
things, it analyses the contextual connection of egoism with relevant
definitions in Rousseau?s work such as human nature, natural law, general
will etc. and the difference of Rousseau?s overview of this problem from
other important philosophers, for example Hobbes. This paper underlines how
the French philosopher, on the basis of key assumptions of his practical
philosophy, points at the historical dependence and the possibility of
overcoming the egoistic actions, and endeavors to pave the way to a
multilateral practical unlocking of the potentials of freedom in its
political, moral and legal sense.