Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men

"Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men," written by Jean-Jacques Rousseau in 1755, explores how societal structures create and perpetuate inequality. Rousseau distinguishes between natural inequality, which is based on physical differences, and moral or political inequality, established by conventions and social institutions. He argues that this latter form of inequality is not natural and arises from social agreements that benefit the few at the expense of the many. Rousseau critiques civilization for promoting selfishness and disconnecting individuals from their natural state of equality and harmony.