"A Discourse Upon the Origin and the Foundation of the Inequality Among Mankind" by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is a philosophical work that delves into the nature of human inequality and its origins. Rousseau examines the transition from the state of nature to civil society, arguing that the emergence of private property and social institutions led to the unequal distribution of resources and power. He explores how societal structures, such as government and property ownership, have contributed to the division between the wealthy and the marginalized, leading to moral and social degradation. Rousseau also discusses the concept of natural inequality versus artificial inequality, asserting that while natural differences exist, artificial inequalities are the result of societal constructs.