According to Rousseau, what is a consequence of luxury?

Rousseau is known for his critical perspective on luxury, arguing that it leads to moral corruption and social decline. He believed that luxury creates a desire for excess and status, which can result in a disconnect between individuals and their innate moral values. As people become more focused on material wealth and the competition for social status, he contended that this leads to a deterioration of social bonds and ethical behavior.

Luxury, according to Rousseau, contributes to inequality and individualism at the expense of community strength and social cohesion. It may create divisions among classes and foster a sense of envy and competition rather than collaboration and solidarity. Thus, he viewed luxury not as a benefit to society but rather as a catalyst for moral and social decay, making the outcome of moral corruption and social decline a well-supported conclusion in his philosophy.