Discourse on the Origin of Inequality

by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Discourse on the Origin of Inequality cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Philosophy
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  • ID: 5399
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781722525828
  • Publisher: Gildan Media LLC aka G&D Media
  • Published: 2025-09-23
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

Jean-Jacques Rousseau's 'Discourse on the Origin of Inequality' is a profound examination of human nature and the effects of civilization. Originally written for an essay competition, Rousseau's work presents a theoretical view of people in a pre-social state and the consequences of societal development. He argues that moral inequalities of rank, wealth, and power are inevitable results of the civilizing process, leading to a loss of individual freedom and psychological independence./n/nRousseau's cynical view of civil society suggests that humanity has strayed from its natural state of self-sufficiency. While he acknowledges the impossibility of returning to a simpler time, he encourages measuring the costs of progress to imagine alternatives to modern society's corruption and oppressive conformity.

Reviews
The Storygraph · sunsoar25 · 2025-10-23
interesting 3.75

The reviewer found the book interesting and thought-provoking, tackling important topics and providing valuable insights.

sunsoar25 found 'Discourse on the Origin of Inequality' to be a classic worth reading. They appreciated the book's interesting topics and valuable insights, which they found thought-provoking and relevant. They also noted that the book is well-written and engaging, making it a enjoyable read despite its challenging subject matter. Overall, they would recommend the book to anyone interested in philosophy or political theory.

Quick quotes

    It's certainly interesting and brings up topics that are still relevant today.

    The book is well-written and engaging, making it a enjoyable read despite its challenging subject matter.

    I would recommend this book to anyone interested in philosophy or political theory.

SparkNotes · 2025-10-23
brilliant 4.50

The review highlights the book's powerful argument and brilliant methodology, praising its broad scope and passionate writing.

SparkNotes review of 'Discourse on the Origin of Inequality' is very positive. They describe the book as a powerful and passionate argument that is dazzlingly written and broad in scope. They particularly appreciate the methodology used by Rousseau, which they describe as brilliant and daring. They also note that the book is a classic of political philosophy and has had a significant impact on modern thought. Overall, they highly recommend the book to anyone interested in philosophy or political theory.

Quick quotes

    Discourse on Inequality is a powerful, passionate argument, which is dazzlingly written and broad in scope.

    Its methodology is brilliant and daring.

    Rousseau's ideas are still relevant today and continue to shape our understanding of society and politics.

Tyson Adams Blog · Tyson Adams · 2019-02-27
thought-provoking 3.00

The reviewer found the book's argument flawed due to its evolution of 'man', but acknowledges its historical significance. They appreciate the translation and introduction.

Tyson Adams had some issues with the book, primarily because they felt the argument was based on a flawed understanding of human evolution. However, they acknowledged that the book is a classic and has had a significant impact on political and social thought. They also praised the translation by Donald Cress and the introduction by James Miller, which they found to be lively and engaging. Overall, they found the book to be thought-provoking and interesting, despite its flaws.

Quick quotes

    The main issue I had with this book was that much of the argument is based upon a flawed evolution of 'man'.

    While I don't think this undermines the overall argument, it does make it a bit harder to swallow.

    I would recommend this book to anyone interested in political philosophy or the history of ideas.

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