The establishment of government increased inequality from "summary" of A Discourse Upon the Origin and Foundation of the Inequality Among Mankind. by John James Rousseau, by JEAN-JACQUES. ROUSSEAU
The moment one man began to stand in need of another; the moment it was perceived that one man could be useful to another, and that this one might procure himself an advantage by being agreeable to that one; thence arose the first societies among men. Men joined together to form a society, seeking to secure mutual protection and preservation. In this natural state of affairs, inequality was minimal, as each individual possessed the same basic needs and abilities. However, as societies grew larger and more complex, the need for a system of governance became apparent. The establishment of government marked a significant turning point in the history of human society, as it introduced a new element of inequality among individuals. The government, intended to serve the common good, became a tool for the powerful and wealthy to maintain their privileges and exploit the weak and vulnerable. With the establishment of government, laws were created to regulate the behavior of individuals within society. These laws, while ostensibly designed to promote justice and order, often served to benefit the ruling class at the expense of the common people. The powerful used their influence to shape laws in their favor, further widening the gap between the rich and the poor. Moreover, the government's authority allowed for the enforcement of property rights, which further exacerbated inequality among individuals. Those with wealth and resources were able to accumulate more property, while those without such means were left with little to nothing. This unequal distribution of property led to a widening gap between the haves and the have-nots, creating a society where some individuals possessed immense wealth and power, while others struggled to survive.- The establishment of government played a significant role in increasing inequality among mankind. What began as a means of organizing society and ensuring mutual protection ultimately led to the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few. The government, intended to serve the common good, became a tool for the powerful to maintain their privileges and exploit the weak. As a result, inequality became deeply entrenched in human society, with the gap between the rich and the poor growing wider with each passing generation.
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