When a wave passes by, water particles move

Wind passes energy to the water, causing waves. After waves break on shore, the water runs down the beach back into the ocean. Waves transport energy, not water. As a wave crest passes, the water particles move in circular paths.

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.