The Origin of Inequality Among People

Description

There is no one better than Jean-Jacques Rousseau himself to introduce us to this topic in his book “Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Among Men.” He says: “I am speaking about man, and I know from the matter I am investigating that I am speaking to people. I imagine that there are two kinds of inequality in the human race. The first is what I call natural inequality, because it is established by nature and is based on differences in age, health, physical strength, and the qualities of the mind or spirit. The second is what I may call moral or political inequality, because it depends on a kind of covenant and is based on the consent of people… It is absurd to ask about the source of natural inequality, because the answer is found in the simple definition of the word. Even less absurd is the possibility of searching for an essential connection between the two kinds of inequality, because this would only mean asking, in other words, whether those who hold the reins of power are better than those who obey out of necessity, and whether physical or spiritual strength, wisdom or virtue, are always present in the same individuals, and in proportion to their power or wealth.” It might be beneficial to raise this question among slaves within earshot of their masters, but it is entirely inappropriate for rational and free people seeking the truth!