Discourse on the Origin of Inequality (Hackett Classics) Edition Unstated

well written and goes through each point clearly. I'd recommend to anyone interested in philosophy especially

A classic.

What more can i say about this then it did its job. I read a book by Rousseau, which had been my overall goal. Great insights into inequality, incredibly sad just how applicable this is to modern day.

Must read book

Great

As an undergrad in philosophy, I must have had this as a small part of a class. I can’t remember using it on an assignment, and worldly/political philosophy didn’t seem stimulating then. But whether it’s circumstances of our current/recent political climate or my advancing age, Rousseau has come to seem very under appreciated to me. An intellectual colossus, anticipating already huge names like Darwin and Nietzsche.

This is a wonderful example of the 18th century enlightenment. In this work, Rousseau states that inequalities of rank, wealth, and power are the inevitable result of the civilizing process, something most of us have found to be very true if unfair. This new translation also includes all of Rousseau's own notes.I enjoyed this tremendously, and am always amazed that the thought pattern and process is oneof the few things that hasn't changed over the centuries.

I find Rousseau especially creative in the way he describes how inequality progressed from the time the first humans made contact. He makes a good case for the solitary life. I think Rousseau believes it is destructive whenever humans come together in groups. Governments were formed to protect the weaker from the stronger or as Rousseau thinks to actually protect the rich from the poor. This is an outstanding book. It will haunt you.