ur. Rousseau criticizes the aristocracy by pointing out that the only reason that they are in their current position is because of the family they were born into. Throughout his discourse, he points out that there are two types of inequalities that exist, natural and unnatural. A natural inequality would be something such as size or strength that gives one person an advantage over another. An unnatural inequality is something such as family privileges or inherited property where a person has an advantage due to the family they were born. Throughout Rousseaus discourse, he explains in a scientific manner the progression of natural inequalities leading to unnatural inequalities along with the development of man. During this discussion, Rousseau touches upon three main topics; the purposes of society, the nature of man, and the origin of inequality.The purpose of society is to allow all individuals to co-exist and help each other out by having different roles. Rousseau frequently refers to savage man. This man relies on no one. If he doesnt catch his prey, he starves. If he doesnt make his clothes, he will freeze. As society develops, each person has a particular role which helps the community as a whole.The nature of man boils down to one thing, survival. Savage man has one goal, live to see tomorrow. Natural equalities allow some men to survive while others might not. Within an early society, natural inequalities such as strength might lead to more power in the community or obtaining more property. The power gained from this natural inequality probably stayed in that family and eventually became the nobility. Wealth came to that family because of its power and more power came because of its wealth. This is the origin of unnatural inequalities. Rousseau points out that with this faulty social structure, the way one improves his status is also unnatural. Moreover, citizens allow themselves to be oppressed only insofar as they are driven ...
