# A Discourse Upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality Among Mankind

By Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

"A Discourse Upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality Among Mankind" by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a philosophical treatise written in 1754 and published in 1755. Rousseau challenges conventional views by examining how humans evolved from a natural state of independence into civil society. He argues that moral inequality stems not from nature but from social conventions, particularly private property. Exploring concepts like human perfectibility and self-love, Rousseau critiques how civilization transformed peaceful, self-sufficient beings into comparison-driven individuals dependent on others' opinions. (Summary by Project Gutenberg, written by machine.)

- Language: English
- Subjects: Political science; Natural law; Equality

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[Plain text](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/api/books/gutenberg/11136/text)

## Audiobooks of it

- [Discourse Upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality Among Mankind](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/books/librivox/1349) by Jean-Jacques Rousseau (2 h 46 min, English)

From Project Gutenberg. Public domain in the United States.