Rousseau

In an interesting twist of thought, Jean Jacques Rousseau believed that the development of civilization has in a way "enslaved" people. To Rousseau, our natural happiness has been taken away by civilization and unnatural inequalities have developed as a result. Most people would argue that the more civilized we become the more inequalities fall away. Of course, we have to keep in mind the time frame that Rousseau was writing (pre-revolution France). I wonder, then, if Rousseau would have held those same beliefs if he lived and wrote today. I think that he probably would, considering all of the inequalities that are still evident around the world and even in America. It is also interesting to consider whether or not Rousseau would be in favor of communism. Here I am talking about TRUE communism, not the socialism that we have seen develop in parts of the world and call itself communism. It seems that Rousseau would love the idea of having no government at all, of having no need for one. Rousseau may argue with Marx that such a state would be idea for the elimination of inequalities and the increase of "natural" happiness and freedom. However, Rousseau also says, "It is unnatural for a majority to rule, for a majority can seldom be organized and united for specific action, and a minority can." Rousseau makes it difficult (if not impossible) to say what his ideal form of society would look like by contradicting himself.


My question is, do you think Rousseau would have leaned more toward the idea of a Philosopher King society or a Marxist society?