To share your reaction on this item, open the Amazon app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone.
Your audiobook is waiting!
Enjoy a free trial on us
$0.00
  • One credit a month to pick any title from our entire premium selection to keep (you’ll use your first credit now).
  • Unlimited listening on select audiobooks, Audible Originals, and podcasts.
  • You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
  • $14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel online anytime.
Learn more about membership
Sold and delivered by Audible, an Amazon company
List Price: $24.84
By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible’s Conditions Of Use. and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Sold and delivered by Audible, an Amazon company

Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 155 ratings
See all formats and editions

Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men by the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau was originally written for an essay competition run by the Dijon Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1754. The question was, "What is the origin of inequality among men, and is it authorized by the natural law?" Rousseau's text is divided into four main parts: a dedication, preface, an extended inquiry into the nature of the individual, and another inquiry into the evolution of the human species within society. Rousseau discusses two types of inequality: natural inequality and moral inequality. Concerned with moral inequality, Rousseau contends that it is unique to civil society, is established by convention and is seen in differences in "wealth, nobility or rank, power and personal merit". Rousseau takes a cynical view of civil society, claiming that man has strayed from his "natural state" of individual independence and freedom to satisfy his individual needs and desires.

Previous slide of product details
  1. Listening Length
    2 hours and 30 minutes
  2. Author
    Jean-Jacques Rousseau
  3. Narrator
    Adriel Brandt
  4. Audible release date
    April 11, 2020
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    MuseumAudiobooks.com
  7. ASIN
    B086XLTZBX
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
Next slide of product details
Audible Free Trial
Discover top titles, podcasts, and more on Audible. Try 30 days free.

Product details

Listening Length 2 hours and 30 minutes
Author Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Narrator Adriel Brandt
Audible.com Release Date April 11, 2020
Publisher MuseumAudiobooks.com
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B086XLTZBX
Best Sellers Rank #72,961 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#30 in Modern Philosophy (Audible Books & Originals)
#88 in Political Philosophy (Audible Books & Originals)
#246 in Political Science History & Theory

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
155 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Savannah H
    5.0 out of 5 stars interesting read
    Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    well written and goes through each point clearly. I'd recommend to anyone interested in philosophy especially
    Helpful
     Report
  • Arizona Sportsman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Classic - everyone should read.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    A classic.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Gina
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Must read book
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jay Rose
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great insights into inequality
    Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2018
    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.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Darlene Pimenow
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Great
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Chrinoceros
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for Westerners
    Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2021
    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.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • S. K. Leggate
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Perfect Example of the 18th Century Enlightenment.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2003
    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.
    6 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Raymond F. Donahue
    5.0 out of 5 stars The garden of eden
    Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2000
    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.
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report