Political Science 1020E Lecture Notes - Archos, Jean-Jacques Rousseau
4 Jul 2013
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Solitary, no language, fears only pain and hunger. Civilization has corrupted us: development of arts and sciences does not necessarily go with morality. How change happens in the state of nature (1) free will and (2) the capacity for self-improvement. Language and comparison of talents: we can become social, rational, and moral creatures. Agriculture, metallurgy, property, rules of justice, and inequality. The law, in its majestic equality, forbids both rich and poor alike from sleeping under bridges, begging in the streets, and stealing bread. We would be better off without government. Fear, suspicion, and competition will overwhelm cooperation. A few bad apples can ruin everything.
