Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators
7) “Man is born free but is everywhere in chains”. Critically comment. (150 Words)
Why this question
This is a very famous statement by Rousseau whose implications in the present times is immense. Rousseau was under the opinion that we are born bree meaning without biases, without the burden of acquiring property etc but eventually due to the society he/she lives in, loses his freedom. Whether or not this is true, needs to be examined
Key demand of the question
The question demands us to address the following points
- What is freedom in your opinion
- Whether we are free at the time of our birth or when our mind is a tabula rasa
- What happens afterwards – What are the chains that keep us imprisoned
- How can we break free
Directive word
Critically comment – Here we have the liberty to express our views based on our reading and understanding. We also have to look at both sides of the picture and provide a balanced stand at the end
Structure of the answer
Introduction – The statement should be liked to some issue that we are facing in the present time.
Body – In the first part comment on what it means to be free. Thereafter comment on the statement that man in born free. Whether any individual can ever be free of the restrictions, burdens etc imposed by society even at birth. Next, comment on how we are in chains. How have we moved away from being a noble savage. Question whether the system of governance, democracy, our society etc adds to or curtails our freedom.
Conclusion – In your conclusion mention how can we break free.
