Excellent4.8 out of 5On Trustpilot
  1. Christian Academic Books/
  2. Philosophy

Discourse on The Origin of Inequality

  • Publisher: G&D Media
  • 15.3 x 22.9 x 0.5 cm

£8.51

Available - Usually dispatched within 10 days

Buying for a school or church? Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account

Bookmark this item

Originally written in1754 for an essay competition run by the Dijon Academy of Arts and Sciences, Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men by the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a strikingly original inquiry into politics and human nature.

The Discourse presents a theoretical view of people in a pre-social condition and the ensuing effects of civilization. Rousseau's sweeping account of humanity's social and political development is one of the most influential and provocative works of the eighteenth century.

To answer the question: "What is the origin of inequality among men, and is it authorized by the natural law?" Rousseau addresses both natural and moral inequality. Rousseau argues that moral inequalities of rank, wealth, and power are the inevitable result of the civilizing process. His cynical view of civil society contends that man has strayed from his "natural state" of individual independence and freedom to satisfy his individual needs and desires.

Rousseau eloquently shows how inequality robs us not only of our material goods but also our psychological independence. While we cannot return to a simpler time, measuring the costs of progress may help us imagine alternatives to the corruption and oppressive conformity of modern society in order to recover the peaceful self-sufficiency of life.

  • Title

    Discourse on The Origin of Inequality

  • Author

    Jean-Jacques Rousseau

  • Publisher

    G&D Media

  • Published

    September 2025

  • Weight

    141g

  • Dimensions

    15.3 x 22.9 x 0.5 cm

  • ISBN

    9781722504847

  • ISBN-10

    1722504846

  • Eden Code

    7341405

Over 14,000 churches and schools have upgraded to an Advance Account and we‘d love to welcome you into this free program. We know that church volunteers and school teachers often use their own money, then have claim it back on on an expense form. We can take all of that hassle away by invoicing your church or school directly and delivering your order straight away.

Opening an account is quick and easy, with most accounts being approved and setup within a few hours of filling in the form below (on weekdays, not weekends). As soon as we‘ve approved the application we‘ll send you an email to let you know that its done.

Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account