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Full Idea
There must be much less difference between one man and another in the state of nature than in that of society, and natural inequality must increase in the human species through inequality occasioned by social institutions.
Gist of Idea
In a state of nature people are much more equal; it is society which increases inequalities
Source
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Discourse on the Origin of Inequality [1754], Part I)
Book Ref
Rousseau,Jean-Jacques: 'The Basic Political Writings', ed/tr. Cress,Donald A. [Hackett 1987], p.58
A Reaction
This is the main idea of his essay - the answer to the question set by the essay prize. Slavery is common in fairly basic societies, but that is at a much more advanced stage than Rousseau is thinking of. It's hard to disagree with him.
Related Idea
Idea 19786 Three stages of the state produce inequalities of wealth, power, and enslavement [Rousseau]
| 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] |