Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Among Men

Key themes and ideas explored in "Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Among Men" include: State of Nature: Rousseau posits a hypothetical "state of nature," a pre-social and pre-political condition in which human beings lived in simple, primitive societies. In this state, individuals were free, self-sufficient, and equal. Development of Inequality: Rousseau discusses the emergence of inequality as a result of the development of agriculture, property ownership, and social institutions. He attributes the origin of inequality to the establishment of private property and the introduction of laws that favored the rich and powerful. Natural Goodness: Rousseau argues that in the state of nature, humans were inherently good and benevolent. It was with the advent of society and the accumulation of property that negative traits, such as greed, jealousy, and competition, arose. Social Contract: Rousseau proposes that society can be restructured based on a social contract, where individuals voluntarily agree to form a collective body, governed by the general will of the people. He emphasizes the importance of the common good and the preservation of individual freedom.