
A Discourse Upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality Among Mankind
'A Discourse Upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality Among Mankind' Summary
Rousseau's text is divided into four main parts: the dedication, the preface, an extended inquiry into the nature of the human being and another inquiry into the evolution of the human species within society. It also includes an appendix that elaborates primarily on eighteenth century anthropological research throughout the text. Rousseau discusses two types of inequality: natural, or physical inequality, and ethical, or moral inequality. Natural inequality involves differences between one human's body and that of another—it is a product of nature. Rousseau is not concerned with this type of inequality because he claims it is not the root of the inequality found in civil society. Instead, he argues moral inequality is unique to civil society and is evinced in differences in "wealth, nobility or rank, power and personal merit." This type of inequality is established by convention. Rousseau appears to take a cynical view of civil society, where man has strayed from his "natural state" of individual independence and freedom to satisfy his individual needs and desires.
His discussion begins with an analysis of a natural man who bears, along with some developed animal species, instincts for self-preservation—a non-destructive love of self (amour de soi même)—and a "natural repugnance" to suffering—a natural pity or compassion. Natural man acts only for his own sake and avoids conflicts with other animals (and humans). Rousseau's natural man is more or less like any other animal, with "self-preservation being his chief and almost sole concern" and "the only goods he recognizes in the universe" being food, a female, and sleep... Rousseau's man is a "savage" man. He is a loner and self-sufficient. Any battle or skirmish was only to protect himself. The natural man was in prime condition, fast, and strong, capable of caring for himself. He killed only for his own self-preservation.
Natural man's anthropological distinction (from the animal kingdom) is based on his capacity for "perfectibility" and innate sense of his freedom. The former, although translated as "perfectibility," has nothing to do with a drive for perfection or excellence, which might confuse it with virtue ethics. Instead, perfectibility describes how humans can learn by observing others. Since human being lacks reason, this is not a discursive reasoning, but more akin to the neurological account of mirror neurons. Human freedom does not mean the capacity to choose, which would require reason, but instead the ability to refrain from instinct. Only with such a capacity can humans acquire new habits and practices.
The most important feature of Rousseau's natural man is that he lacks reason, in contrast to most of the Western intellectual tradition. Rousseau claims natural man does not possess reason or language (in which reason's generation is rooted) or society—and these three things are mutually-conditioning, such that none can come into being without the others.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
FrenchPublished In
1755Authors

Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Switzerland
Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a Genevan philosopher, writer, and composer. His political philosophy influenced the progress of the Enlightenment throughout Europe, as well as aspects of the French Revolut...
Books by Jean-Jacques RousseauDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books

Chimney Corner by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Harriet Beecher Stowe's 'Chimney Corner' is a captivating collection of post-Civil War reflections and discussions on various cultural and societal to...

The Spirit of Youth and the City Streets by Jane Addams
It is here presented in book form in the hope that it may prove of value to those groups of people who in many cities are making a gallant effort to...

Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico by John M. Corbett
It delves into the history and significance of the Aztec Ruins National Monument. This book provides an insightful look into the past and present of o...

World’s Story Volume I: China, Japan and the Islands of the Pacific by Eva March Tappan
This book delves into the history, culture, and civilization of East Asia and the Pacific Islands. It explores the rich traditions, art, and literatur...

National Geographic Magazine Vol. 08 - 02. February 1897 by National Geographic Society
This volume of the National Geographic Magazine, published in February 1897, features articles on diverse geographical topics. It delves into the geol...

Coming People by Charles F. Dole
In "Coming People," Charles F. Dole argues that the "survival of the fittest" is not the only driving force of evolution. He believes that kindness, g...

Histoire générale du IVe siècle à nos jours. Tome 01. Les origines (395-1095) by Ernest Lavisse
This volume, the first in a comprehensive multi-volume series, covers the period from the fall of the Roman Empire in 395 AD to 1095 AD. It explores t...

Peeps at Many Lands: Ancient Egypt by James Baikie
Written primarily for children, James Baikie's 'peep' at ancient Egypt is a really well done, historical account of the ways of that fascinating land...

Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatán, Vol. 2 by John Lloyd Stephens
In 'Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas, and Yucatán,' John Lloyd Stephens recounts his expeditions to the Mayan ruins of Central America...

The History of Rome, volume 4 by Titus Livius
In the heart of ancient Rome, a pivotal volume unfurls—a chronicle of power, ambition, and the relentless march of an empire. "The History of Rome, Vo...
Reviews for A Discourse Upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality Among Mankind
No reviews posted or approved, yet...