What did Rousseau think about the state of nature?

Rousseau believed that in the state of nature, humans were inherently good, peaceful, and lived in harmony with one another. He argued that this natural condition was corrupted by the development of society, private property, and social inequalities, which led to competition, jealousy, and moral decay. Rousseau viewed the state of nature as a more authentic and fulfilling existence compared to the complexities and vices of civilized life. Ultimately, he believed that returning to a more egalitarian and communal way of living could restore human goodness.