Discourse on the Origin of Inequality (Collector's Edition) (Laminated Hardback with Jacket) (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781998736171)

Human society was not always marked by inequality; rather, it emerged gradually as people moved from a simple, self-sufficient existence to one defined by private property, competition, and artificial hierarchies. Rousseau explores how this transformation led to the corruption of natural human goodness, replacing genuine freedom with dependence and social divisions. Through a philosophical examination of history, he questions whether civilization has truly improved the human condition or merely deepened injustice. With a compelling mix of speculation and critique, he challenges readers to reconsider the foundations of modern society and the cost of its so-called progress.

A bold critique of civilization, Rousseau's Discourse on the Origin of Inequality challenged Enlightenment ideals by arguing that progress had deepened social divisions rather than alleviating them. His radical ideas on property, power, and freedom influenced the French Revolution and shaped modern political thought. By questioning whether inequality is natural or socially constructed, he laid the foundation for debates on justice and human rights. Even today, his work sparks discussion on the costs of progress and the roots of social injustice.