Discourse on Inequality

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Discourse on Inequality (French: Discours sur l'origine et les fondements de l'inégalité parmi les hommes), also known as the Second Discourse, is a work by the French philosopher, writer, and composer Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Published in 1755, the essay elaborates on the philosophical concept of natural human inequality and its development through social conventions and institutions. Rousseau's discourse was a response to a question posed by the Academy of Dijon: "What is the origin of inequality among people, and is it authorized by natural law?"

Summary

Rousseau divides human history into two parts: the natural state and the civilized state. In the natural state, humans are solitary, self-sufficient, and predominantly peaceful. They possess natural compassion and are free from the vices that arise from social interactions. Rousseau argues that natural inequalities, such as differences in strength or intelligence, are insignificant because the lifestyle in the state of nature does not allow these inequalities to develop into conflicts.

As humans begin to interact and form societies, artificial inequalities emerge. Rousseau identifies property as the cornerstone of all inequality, famously stating, "The first man who, having fenced in a piece of land, said 'This is mine,' and found people naïve enough to believe him, that man was the true founder of civil society." With the advent of property, humans become competitive, envious, and aggressive, leading to the establishment of laws and government to protect private property and thus institutionalizing inequality.

Rousseau's discourse criticizes modern society for corrupting humanity's natural goodness and equality. He suggests that the progress of civilization, rather than being beneficial, has led to moral and social degradation.

Themes

The Discourse on Inequality covers several key themes:

• Natural vs. Artificial Inequality: Rousseau distinguishes between inequalities that are natural and those that are created by society. Natural inequalities are physical differences that do not inherently lead to social disparity, whereas artificial inequalities are established through social conventions.
• State of Nature: Rousseau's concept of the state of nature is a hypothetical condition before the formation of societies, characterized by peace and equality. It serves as a critical tool for analyzing the negative impacts of civilization.
• Property and Social Inequality: The establishment of private property is seen as the primary source of social inequality and the catalyst for societal corruption.
• Critique of Civilization: Rousseau argues that civilization, with its laws and institutions, has not led to human progress but rather to the degradation of humanity's natural virtues.

Impact

The Discourse on Inequality is considered one of Rousseau's most important works and a foundational text in the history of political and social thought. It has influenced a wide range of political ideologies, from socialism to anarchism, and has contributed to the development of concepts such as the noble savage and the critique of progress. Rousseau's ideas have sparked debates on the nature of society, the origins of inequality, and the role of government, which continue to be relevant today.

See Also

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau
• Social Contract
• State of Nature
• Political Philosophy