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Full Idea
It is obviously contrary to the law of nature, however it is defined, for a child to command an old man, for an imbecile to lead a wise man, and for a handful of people to gorge themselves on superfluities while the starving multitude lack necessities.
Gist of Idea
It is against nature for children to rule old men, fools to rule the wise, and the rich to hog resources
Source
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Discourse on the Origin of Inequality [1754], Part II)
Book Ref
Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.81
A Reaction
I wonder if gregarious animals ever starve to death during a time of plenty, because of social exclusion? I bet this idea was quoted widely in 1780s Paris. The massive inequality is not just nasty, but 'contrary to the law of nature'.
| 19865 | There is no subjection in nature, and all creatures of the same species are equal [Locke] |
| 21099 | People must have agreed to authority, because they are naturally equal, prior to education [Hume] |
| 19772 | In a state of nature people are much more equal; it is society which increases inequalities [Rousseau] |
| 19789 | It is against nature for children to rule old men, fools to rule the wise, and the rich to hog resources [Rousseau] |
| 20565 | Men are created equal, and with certain inalienable rights [Jefferson] |