The article reconstructs and discusses some aspects of the interpretation of Rousseau’s thought developed by Francesco Toto in his book L’origine e la storia. In particular, the themes touched upon are the following: the role of instinct and rational faculties in governing the behaviour of individuals in the state of nature; the law of nature and the question of morality; Rousseau’s condemnation of amour propre and the question of recognition; the value and meaning of the unequal pact.
