The man experiences unhappiness due to his neglect of nature, failing to understand its fundamental principles. He lacks the scientific curiosity to question the natural world, perceiving it instead as a force governed by unchangeable laws, rather than something inherently good or evil. This ignorance leads him to submit to other humans, believing them to be superior, such as kings, sorcerers, and priests, whom he mistakenly views as divine figures.

This submission allows those in power to exploit the ignorance of the masses, resulting in widespread corruption and a loss of virtue. As a result, people become enslaved by these figures, leading to a cycle of misery and degradation. The author suggests that true understanding of nature could liberate individuals from this cycle, helping them recognize their own power rather than subjugating themselves to fallible leaders.