On June 28, 1712, Francophone Genevan philosopher, writer and composer Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born.  Reaching beyond his death on July 2, 1778, his political philosophy influenced the European Enlightenment particularly in France.  He has had a lasting impact through today on modern political and educational thought.  His Discourse On Inequality and The Social Contract are considered cornerstone of modern political and social thought.

Discourse on the Origin and Basis of Inequality Among Men sets out Rousseau’s ideas about human nature.  He then launches into a discussion on the establishment of civil society.  This leads him to present private property as the origin and basis of all inequality.   

You may read Discourse On Inequality here:

http://www.bartleby.com/34/3/2.html

Alternatively, you may listen to this in an audiobook format here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykPqVLY5yn0