Explaining Social Differences: A Social Contract

The Buddhist text Sutta Pitaka offers a completely different explanation for social inequality — one based on human choice, not divine will or natural superiority. This is the social contract theory of early Buddhism.

The myth begins in a perfect, idyllic state. Human beings were not fully formed, the world was not fully developed, and everyone lived in peace. People took from nature only what they needed for a single meal. There was no greed, no conflict, no need for rulers or laws.

Then came a gradual deterioration. Human beings became greedy, vindictive, and deceitful. This breakdown of harmony created a problem: who would punish wrongdoers and maintain order?

The solution, according to the myth, was a collective decision. The people asked themselves: what if we select one person who will be angry when anger is justified, who will rightly censure what deserves censure, and who will banish those who deserve banishment? In return for this service, the people agreed to give that person a share of their rice.

This chosen person was called mahasammata — "the great elect," chosen by the whole people.