Discourse on the Origin of Inequality

Rousseau begins his description of humankind’s state of nature with the assumption that the physical human form was essentially the same as it is today. The primary difference is that contemporary humans have developed a host of tools for achieving mastery over nature: they build shelter and wear clothing to reduce the impact of weather, create industries to enjoy new goods, and invent medicines to reduce the risks of illness and death. Rousseau’s hypothetical human beings have none of these skills, nor the imagination to develop them. With only their physical assets and an instinct for survival, they accommodate themselves to their environment and seek only to fulfill basic needs.

Overall, the human body is well suited for a life led according to nature. As omnivores, human beings can nourish themselves more easily than many other animals, and the human body adapts well to the challenges of its surroundings. Rousseau believes that “the savage man,” as he calls this hypothetical person, has strength and skills far beyond those of contemporary humans, who have grown reliant on tools, machines, and animals to do much of their work. The modern person is more productive, but the “savage person” has the advantage of being self-sufficient.