Rousseau's quote "Man is born free; and everywhere he is in chains" means that humans are naturally free, but societal structures restrict this freedom. He argues that while society limits individual freedom through rules, this can be legitimate if people consent to it, forming a social contract to improve safety and cooperation. Rousseau emphasizes the importance of choosing the government and laws that rule them. — eNotes Editorial https://www.enotes.com/topics/social-contract/questions/explain-quote-man-born-free-everywhere-he-chains-289162