Question

What does Rousseau mean when he says, ""Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains?

A. All men are born as slaves who are owned by masters
B.People either enslave people or are slaves
C. The norms, laws, and social structures of absolute monarchies resulted in inequalities for its members
D. The social contract has led to the enslavement of people

Answer 1

Rousseau's statement 'Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains' refers to the concept that while humans are born with natural freedom, the oppressive societal and governmental structures infringe upon this freedom, leading to a state of figurative enslavement.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Jean-Jacques Rousseau said, "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains," he was expressing the idea that while humans are naturally born with freedom, the oppressive governments and societal structures severely limit individual autonomy and liberty.

Rousseau argued that the laws, norms, and social hierarchies of his time, particularly under absolute monarchies, contributed to widespread inequalities and effectively enslaved individuals. He was a proponent of a direct democracy rooted in the general will of the people. Moreover, Rousseau's philosophy argued that if a government does not protect the freedom and equality of its citizens, it has no legitimacy.