The Origin of Inequality In Rousseau’s “Discourse on the Origin of Inequalities”, Rousseau tries to explain the birth and evolution of inequality between humans dating back to savage man in the pure state of nature. Rousseau proposes that it was not man that progressed toward inequality as much as it was the state of nature itself. In his own words, Rousseau says, “the state of nature develops and gives rise to pride, shame, and …showed first 75 words of 517 total…

…showed last 75 words of 517 total…in society]” (4). I believe that Rousseau’s theory of the origin of human inequalities is true. Man today feels compassion and pity for fellow man: traits, which I believe, date back to prehistory. This is why humans are non-violent creatures by nature. However, I believe that it was necessary for the true state of nature to evolve for man, because the “state of nature will never be a condition in which humans can flourish” (Wolff 36).