Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains.
This paradox loaded comment is the basis of American democracy. In the times of slavery when equality and freedom were limited to documents and scripts, Rousseau had the courage to voice his thoughts about how every man needs his freedom and his personal liberty at least. When he mentions chains here in this book he is pointing towards the practices of slavery that denied many humans their basic rights and converted them into property. Rousseau's ideas here are against slavery and the purpose of writing is to help people understand why America needs democracy. A place where human rights are equally protected for all is a stronger place.