Discourse on Inequality
Also known as Discours sur l'origine et les fondements de l'inégalité parmi les hommes, Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men, A Discourse upon the Origin and Foundation of the Inequality among Mankind, The Second Discourse
Jean-Jacques Rousseau's 1755 treatise on the origin of social inequality, which he traces to private property.
At a glance
Key ideas
Two kinds of inequality, Natural man, Amour propre …
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- Rousseau sets out his idea of a human state of nature and of human perfectibility.
- Natural man is solitary, lacks reason and language, and has self-love and pity.
- With society comes vanity, comparison with others, and then private property.
- Inequality grows from there into slavery, despotism and corruption.
Why it matters
- Written for the Academy of Dijon's prize question on the origin of inequality, it answers Hobbes, Locke and Pufendorf and prepares the ground for The Social Contract.
Key facts
- Author
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau1
- Written
- 1754, for a prize competition of the Academy of Dijon1
- Published
- 17551
- Prize
- Did not win; the abbé François Xavier Talbert did1
- First English translation
- 1761, London, R. and J. Dodsley1
- Dedication
- To the state of Geneva1
Key ideas
-
Two kinds of inequality1
Natural inequality of bodies, and moral inequality of wealth, rank and power, set by convention.
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Natural man1
Self-preservation and a natural repugnance to suffering are enough; there is no reason, language or society yet.
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Amour propre1
"The savage lives within himself, sociable man, always outside himself, can only live in the opinion of others."
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The fenced plot1
Whoever first enclosed land, said "this is mine" and was believed founded civil society.
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No way back1
A return to the state of nature is impossible, but some mistakes of civilisation can be corrected.
Connections
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