<P> At the time of writing, the rights contained in the declaration were only awarded to men . Furthermore, the declaration was a statement of vision rather than reality . The declaration was not deeply rooted in either the practice of the West or even France at the time . The declaration emerged in the late 18th century out of war and revolution . It encountered opposition as democracy and individual rights were frequently regarded as synonymous with anarchy and subversion . The declaration embodies ideals and aspirations towards which France pledged to struggle in the future . </P> <P> The Declaration is introduced by a preamble describing the fundamental characteristics of the rights which are qualified as being "natural, unalienable and sacred" and consisting of "simple and incontestable principles" on which citizens could base their demands . In the second article, "the natural and imprescriptible rights of man" are defined as "liberty, property, security and resistance to oppression". It called for the destruction of aristocratic privileges by proclaiming an end to feudalism and to exemptions from taxation, freedom and equal rights for all "Men", and access to public office based on talent . The monarchy was restricted, and all citizens were to have the right to take part in the legislative process . Freedom of speech and press were declared, and arbitrary arrests outlawed . </P> <P> The Declaration also asserted the principles of popular sovereignty, in contrast to the divine right of kings that characterized the French monarchy, and social equality among citizens, "All the citizens, being equal in the eyes of the law, are equally admissible to all public dignities, places, and employments, according to their capacity and without distinction other than that of their virtues and of their talents," eliminating the special rights of the nobility and clergy . </P> <P> Article I--Men are born and remain free and equal in rights . Social distinctions can be founded only on the common good . </P>

In spite of the declaration of rights of man and citizen