Discourse Upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality Among Mankind, A

By Rousseau, Jean-Jacques

Book Id: WPLBN0002950292
Format Type:
File Size: 79.59 MB
Reproduction Date: 2007

Title:	Discourse Upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality Among Mankind, A
Author:	Rousseau, Jean-Jacques
Volume:
Language:	English
Subject:	Non-fiction, Essay/Short nonfiction, Politics
Collections:	Audio Books Collection, Discourse Upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality Among Mankind, A
Historic Publication Date:	1754
Publisher:	LibriVox Audio Books


Citation APA MLA Chicago Rousseau, B. J. (1754). Discourse Upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality Among Mankind, A. Retrieved from http://www.gutenberg.cc/

Description
This work presents Rousseau's belief in the profoundly transformational effects of the development of civilization on human nature, which Rousseau claims other political philosophers had failed to grasp. Specifically, before the onset of civilization, according to Rousseau, natural man lived a contented, solitary life, naturally good and happy. It is only with the onset of civilization, Rousseau claims, that humans become social beings, and, concomitant with their civilization, natural man becomes corrupted with the social vices of pride, vanity, greed and servility. (summary by ej)

Summary
Electronic recorded live performance of a reading

Excerpt
Essay/Short nonfiction, Politics, Philosophy