How did Jean-Jacques Rousseau describe the state of nature in Discourse on the Origin of Inequality?

In his Discourse on the Origin of Inequality (1755), Jean-Jacques Rousseau describes the state of nature as a primitive, morally neutral, and peaceful condition that precedes socialization.1

Contrary to the views of Thomas Hobbes, who characterized the state of nature as a violent "war of every man against every man," Rousseau argues that original humans were solitary, healthy, happy, good, and free. In this state, individuals acted according to basic urges, such as hunger, and a natural desire for self-preservation, which was tempered by an innate sense of compassion.123

Rousseau posits that this state was devoid of social traits like pride, envy, or fear of others. He maintains that human vices and social inequality did not exist in the state of nature but emerged only after humans began to live together in "nascent societies" and, eventually, introduced the "fatal" concept of private property, which necessitated the creation of government to protect possessions.123