Rousseau's Argument of Natural vs. Societal Life

            
            
            
             In his second discourses, Rousseau assesses the differences between natural life and life in society. The natural life, he explains, can be defined as a lifestyle unaffected by responsibilities, duties, morals, and even social norms. Conversely, he depicts life in society as being bound by specific issues, as well as many additional factors. Adapting to these factors allows the modern man to have an advantage in society, while not adapting to these factors would result in social suicide. Rousseau comes to the conclusion that in the state of nature, humanity is happier because the natural life is not overcome by social inequalities, and doesn't consist of moral relationships or responsibilities to anyone. I n this essay, I will present and examine Rousseau's argument about natural vs. societal life, followed by my counter argument to his claims. .
             Rousseau begins with an analysis on human life in nature. He believes that the behavior of a "natural man " is that which is unaffected by anyone. A natural man has no "moral relationship or known duties "(128) to any human being. Rousseau argues that "rather than subjecting themselves to a universal dependence and obliging themselves to receive everything from those who do not obligate themselves to give them anything "(128), why not look to the natural man, who does not have such pressures or restrains? He emphasizes that the actions of these individuals are "neither good nor evil " (128) because they are not bound by any set of communal guidelines, which would usually dictate how one should act or think about each other and the world as a whole. In other words, a natural man does not have to worry about what others think of him or his actions. Rousseau furthers this argument by explaining that savage man has "neither vices nor virtues " (128) because he has no commitments, promises, or relationships. He stresses that one flaw with modern society, which is not shared by the natural man, is that people are concerned with their reputation, morality, and how other perceives them.