The philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau argued that man was by nature a solitary animal and that society was conducive to wickedness. There is such wretchedness that flows from "hereditary honours, riches, and monarchy, that men of lively sensibility have almost uttered blasphemy in order to justify the dispensation of providence." The desire for wealth and power has overwhelmed mankind. Wollstonecraft wonders if the bulk of the people of Europe have received anything in exchange for their innocence. Reason has been mixed with error through the course of mankind, so it is necessary to look at how deeply rooted prejudices have clouded reason and how reason is used to justify such prejudices. She writes that "perfection of our nature and capability of happiness, must be estimated by the degree of reason, virtue, and knowledge, that distinguish the individual, and direct the laws which bind society." Reason is what gives man preeminence over brute creatures, and passions were instilled in us so that men might grapple with them and attain experience and knowledge. These questions may lead to truths, but these results are often contradicted by people's words and conduct. Wollstonecraft begins by explaining that she is going to start with some basic principles and ask several simple questions.
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