Autorentext

Jean-Jacques Rousseau, born on June 28, 1712, in Geneva, was a philosopher, writer, and composer who shaped Enlightenment thought and modern political theory. Raised by his father and aunt after his mother's death, Rousseau's early life was marked by wanderings and diverse experiences. At 15, he left Geneva, converted to Catholicism, and worked various jobs while exploring his intellectual interests.In Paris, Rousseau befriended Denis Diderot and contributed to the Encyclopédie, gaining recognition with his 1750 essay, Discourse on the Arts and Sciences. He argued that advancements in the arts and sciences had led to moral decay, introducing his critical stance on societal progress. His later works, including The Social Contract and Discourse on Inequality, challenged traditional authority and championed the idea of popular sovereignty.Rousseau's novel Émile presented groundbreaking views on education, emphasizing natural development and experiential learning. His radical ideas often brought him into conflict with authorities, resulting in bans and exile. Despite these challenges, Rousseau's philosophy inspired the French Revolution and continues to influence modern political and educational thought.

Klappentext

Experience timeless classics like never before in this Grand Type Collector's Edition

With clear, easy-to-read formatting, this edition is designed for readers who prefer or require larger text without sacrificing the excitement of the original.

Large Print Features:

• 18-point font: Generously sized text for maximum readability and comfort.
• Sans-serif font: Clean, modern typeface designed to reduce visual strain.
• Italics are bolded: Important emphasis is maintained without thin, hard-to-see lettering.
• Easy-to-read line lengths: Shorter rows of text (under 45 characters per line) make reading smoother and less tiring.

Human society, Rousseau argues, was not always shaped by inequality. In its earliest state, people lived simply and self-sufficiently, guided by natural goodness and freedom. But with the rise of private property came competition, dependency, and artificial hierarchies. Genuine liberty was replaced with social divisions, and human nature became corrupted by greed and pride. Through a sweeping philosophical examination, Rousseau questions whether civilization has truly improved the human condition or merely intensified injustice, urging readers to reflect on the cost of so-called progress.

First published in 1755, Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Discourse on the Origin of Inequality delivered a radical critique of Enlightenment ideals. By arguing that inequality is socially constructed rather than natural, Rousseau challenged conventional notions of progress and justice. His bold ideas about property, power, and freedom influenced the French Revolution and shaped modern political philosophy. A timeless and provocative work, it continues to inspire debate on human rights, social justice, and the foundations of society itself.