What is a key belief of Jean-Jacques Rousseau regarding humanity?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau is known for his profound influence on political philosophy and views on human nature. A key belief of Rousseau is that people are inherently good and that this goodness is often corrupted by the influences of society and civilization. He argued that in their natural state, individuals possess a sense of compassion and a connection to others. Rousseau advocated for personal freedom and the idea that individuals should have the liberty to live according to their own will and instincts, which he viewed as a path toward realizing their inherent goodness.

His concepts are prominent in works such as "The Social Contract," where he discusses the social agreements that individuals enter into as they form societies. However, he believed that these agreements should respect the natural goodness of individuals and allow them to express their freedom.

This perspective contrasts with the other views that suggest inherent negative traits, such as corruption or selfishness. Rousseau's equation of freedom with virtue and goodness fundamentally shaped modern political thought, emphasizing the role of individual liberty in a just society.