FAQ About Jean-Jacques Rousseau
How did Rousseau view the state of nature?
Rousseau postulated that in the state of nature, humans lived as solitary beings, motivated by simple needs and a natural sense of compassion. He believed it was a state of freedom and equality, without the corruption introduced by society. His idea of the state of nature was central to his critique of modern society, which, he argued, led to inequality and loss of autonomy.
