Discourse on the Origin of Inequality

Rousseau’s stated purpose in writing the Discourse on Inequality is to establish a philosophic understanding of what human beings are by nature, stripped of every quality they have acquired as a result of society. Given that modern human societies are replete with inequalities, there are only two possible explanations. The first is that there are intrinsic differences in human beings. One can hardly deny that some are faster, stronger, and possess all manner of skills that others do not have, and so there is a strong case for a “natural or physical inequality” (101). Rousseau categorically rejects the idea that conventional inequalities, such as differences in wealth, social status, and political power, can have any basis in nature. As Rousseau’s argument progresses, he subtly shifts toward an even more radical understanding of equality. In their original condition, human beings were roughly equal even in their physical attributes as their lifestyles were nearly identical and required the same set of skills. Differences in mind, body, and skill only became conspicuous when social factors such as education, diet, and leisure time allowed some to excel while others regress.

Since all inequalities are artificial, but modern human society is thoroughly unequal, it is extremely difficult to identify what constitutes the core of human nature.