The Social Contract

I'm presently reading Rousseau's The Social Contract and coming to understand the origin of our Constitution. Not just our Constitution, however, the origin of a constitution established to be in accords with man's natural state. How does one think so profound to come up with his own thought? Not to be influenced by anyone before? What does it take to go there? Socrates discussing the oak tree is my experience with the vastness of the ocean. It said, "Know not mediocrity." I have to get away from being afraid to let restraints go...To truly be classified as a free man. Allowing the only authority to be reason.