invented by human beings themselves(Smith, 1998:10). This means that people themselves are responsible for creating the social inequalities that exist within society. Rousseaus contrast of the noble savage with civilized man illustrates this conception; the former exists in a state of nature that provides everything necessary to a free and happy existence, while the latter is enslaved by all sorts of artificial wants and desires(Smith, 1998:10). Thus, this comparison that Rousseau uses illustrates clearly that social inequalities is a result of social development. The noble savage as Rousseau refers to, is not bounded by the artificial social inequalities that contrain the civilized man. Rousseaus critical view of society is based upon his theory that the social inequalities existing in society conflict with the laws of nature. Rousseau declared that it is plainly contrary to the law of naturethat the priviledged few should gorge themselves with superfluities, while the starving multitude are in want of the bare necessities of life(Smith, 1998:10). These problems did not exist for the noble savage, however, the civilized man lives in a society that creates and perpetuates social inequalities amongst its members. Rousseau states that, society creates more compex needs and therefore a more complex humanity than that found in the state of nature(Smith, 1998:16). Thus people are responsible for creating artificial differences among themselves. Adam Smith and Jean Jacques Rousseau view society from different perspectives. Smith concentrates his attention on economics and individual development, whereas, Rousseau discusses the consequences of social inequalities that have arisen from social development. Smith advocates self-interest as a means for the society to develop and prosper, and in contrast, Rousseau sees this self-interest and development as the cause for social inequalities. Inequalities, that Rousseau believes, natur...
