Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men

Interesting Facts

• The book was written in response to a question posed by the Academy of Dijon: «What is the origin of inequality among men, and is it authorized by natural law?»
• Rousseau argues that in their natural state, people were equal and lived in harmony with nature, but with the development of society and private property, social inequality emerged.
• One of Rousseau's key arguments is that civilization and progress have led to moral decay and inequality, rather than improving the human condition.
• Rousseau distinguishes between two types of inequality: natural or physical, which is due to natural differences among people, and moral or political, which is established by human agreement.
• The book had a significant influence on subsequent philosophical and political thought, including the ideas of the French Revolution.