Discourse on the Origin of Inequality

English language

Published Feb. 21, 2004

ISBN:
978-0-486-43414-8
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4 stars (8 reviews)

Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men (French: Discours sur l'origine et les fondements de l'inégalité parmi les hommes), also commonly known as the "Second Discourse", is a 1755 work by philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Rousseau first exposes in this work his conception of a human state of nature, broadly believed to be a hypothetical thought exercise and of human perfectibility, an early idea of progress. He then explains the way in which, in his view, people may have established civil society, and this leads him to conclude that private property is the original source and basis of all inequality.

16 editions

Review of 'Discourse on the Origin of Inequality' on 'Goodreads'

1 star

He's basically an anarchist with this discourse having a lot in common with the Unabomber's manifesto but with all the racist and sexist prejudices of an 18th Century twat. All pure conjecture which he even admits at one point but actually waves it off saying there's obviously no other explanations for what he observes: because this one time therefore I'm right.

Rousseau believes rape is caused by society's laws influenced by women causing men to lust after certain traits of beauty. Something "savage man" doesn't comprehend therefore "savage man" never rapes. Apparently just like the Caribbeans who are all lacking civility but fired by passions. Yet due to their simple/savage nature don't rape.

It gets slightly better in part II but not by much and it's still filled with conjecture and unfounded crap. This book made me angry.

I can't believe this is considered a classic. I swear people just …

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