Discourse on the Origin of Inequality (Collector's Edition) (Laminated Hardback with Jacket)

by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Overview

Rousseau explores how society's shift from simplicity to civilization created inequality, corruption, and dependence, questioning whether progress has truly improved the human condition or deepened injustice.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781998736171
Publisher:	Revive Classics
Publication date:	02/18/2025
Pages:	68
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.31(d)

About the Author

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, born on June 28, 1712, in Geneva, was a philosopher, writer, and composer who shaped Enlightenment thought and modern political theory. Raised by his father and aunt after his mother's death, Rousseau's early life was marked by wanderings and diverse experiences. At 15, he left Geneva, converted to Catholicism, and worked various jobs while exploring his intellectual interests.In Paris, Rousseau befriended Denis Diderot and contributed to the Encyclopédie, gaining recognition with his 1750 essay, Discourse on the Arts and Sciences. He argued that advancements in the arts and sciences had led to moral decay, introducing his critical stance on societal progress. His later works, including The Social Contract and Discourse on Inequality, challenged traditional authority and championed the idea of popular sovereignty.Rousseau's novel Émile presented groundbreaking views on education, emphasizing natural development and experiential learning. His radical ideas often brought him into conflict with authorities, resulting in bans and exile. Despite these challenges, Rousseau's philosophy inspired the French Revolution and continues to influence modern political and educational thought.