Inequality leads to social unrest from "summary" of The Social Contract & Discourses by Jean Jacques Rousseau
When men began to value one another, and the idea of esteem was born, inequalities emerged. Those who were stronger, more intelligent, or held a higher social rank naturally gained an advantage over others. This initial inequality was not inherently problematic, as it was based on natural differences between individuals. However, as societies progressed and developed, these natural inequalities transformed into artificial ones through the creation of property, laws, and social structures. As property became a measure of wealth and power, those who possessed more of it began to dominate those who had less. Laws were then created to protect the interests of the wealthy and powerful, further entrenching the inequalities in society. The social contract, which was meant to protect the rights and freedoms of all individuals, became a tool used by the elite to maintain their privilege and suppress the masses. As a result, the gap between the rich and the poor widened, leading to social unrest and discontent among the disenfranchised. The poor, who had been oppressed and marginalized by the wealthy, began to rebel against the unjust system that favored the few at the expense of the many. The wealthy, in turn, sought to protect their interests by using force and coercion to maintain their power. This cycle of oppression and resistance only served to destabilize society further, leading to increased conflict and discord. Inequality, therefore, is not simply a matter of differences in material wealth or social status. It is a fundamental issue that lies at the heart of social unrest and discord. Unless these inequalities are addressed and rectified, society will continue to be plagued by conflict and strife, with no end in sight.
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