One of the hottest ideas in engineering today is the concept of building an energy capturing system similar to photosynthesis. The system would use light energy to make artificial food. What two
parts would such a system need, and how must these parts interact if they are to be like
photosynthesis?

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.

youre right there are