Difference between epidermis and cork?

Epidermis:1. Single layered group of cells that cover plant leaves, flowers, root and stem.    2. It is permeable in nature. Protect against water loss, gas exchange and absorb water and minerals.

Cork:1. The cork is a water proof protective layer (bark) present on the cork trees. It consist of dead cells. 2. Impermeable in nature.

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.