Why are enzymes so important?
because they act as a catalyst in the chemical reactions necessary for life within organisms.
because they cause decomposition reactions.
because they are the building blocks of proteins.
because they are the building blocks of dna and rna.

biology is the study of life. it is the study of living organism.

you did not attach the discourse, but i assume it to be the discourse on the origin and basis of inequality among men (the original titile in french is: "discours sur l'origine et les fondements de l'inégalité parmi les hommes"), also know as "second discourse". in this discourse, jean-jacques rousseau emphasizes that private property is the basis of all inequalities.

therefore, what enabled the old regime to maintain as long as it did was private property.