Rousseau's Discourse on the Origin of Inequality is praised for its profound exploration of human nature and societal development, highlighting how civilization may corrupt innate goodness. Critics, however, find its speculative historical methodology flawed. Despite this, the work’s philosophical insights remain influential and provoke significant academic discussion.

Ideal readers for Rousseau's Discourse on the Origin of Inequality are those fascinated by political philosophy and social theory. They often enjoy works like Hobbes' Leviathan, Locke's Two Treatises of Government, and Marx's The Communist Manifesto, seeking to explore concepts of human nature, society, and justice.

In Discourse on Inequality, Jean-Jacques Rousseau explores the origins and impacts of social inequality, positing that humans were originally kind, independent, and equal in a natural state. As population growth led humans to cooperate for survival, new emotions such as vanity emerged, fueling economic inequality and the establishment of government, which Rousseau argues primarily serves to cement the power of the rich over the poor.

Contemplative / Informative / Challenging

- Discourse on the Origin of Inequality was first published in 1755, and it was submitted as an entry to an essay contest held by the Academy of Dijon, though it did not win.
- The full title in French is "Discours sur l'origine et les fondements de l'inégalité parmi les hommes," which emphasizes its focus on the nature and reasons behind human inequality.
- Rousseau's work in this discourse was a foundational text in political philosophy, prompting discussions and criticisms that would influence future thinkers like Karl Marx and John Rawls.

**Jean-Jacques Rousseau**  
A philosopher known for advocating radical democracy and the idea that human beings are naturally peaceful and should only live under governments that maximize their freedom consistent with social order.

**Thomas Hobbes**  
A philosopher whose depiction of the state of nature as a "war of all against all" emphasizes the need for strong governments to maintain law and order and protect against external threats.

**John Locke**  
A philosopher who argues for the right to "life, liberty, and property," viewing private property as essential for freedom while emphasizing the protective role of governments to uphold these rights.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Discourse on the Origin of Inequality reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Discourse on the Origin of Inequality | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Discourse on the Origin of Inequality and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Summary and Study Guide

Background

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Preface and Introduction

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Preface and Introduction Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Pages 106-113

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Part 1, Pages 106-113 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Pages 113-141

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Part 1, Pages 113-141 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Pages 141-160

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Part 2, Pages 141-160 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Pages 160-181

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Part 2, Pages 160-181 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Key Figures

theme

Themes

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Themes

Index of Terms

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Essay Topics

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Discourse on the Origin of Inequality?

Reading Age

Book Details