the notion of the "noble savage"

The "noble savage" is a concept from Western philosophy suggesting that early or indigenous societies, living closer to nature, possess an inherent goodness and moral purity untainted by modern civilization’s complexities. It implies that humans are naturally good but are corrupted by societal influences. This idea romanticizes these communities as more authentic and virtuous, emphasizing their simplicity, harmony with nature, and lack of materialism. The notion has been both criticized and appreciated, serving as a lens to question assumptions about civilization, human nature, and the influence of societal development.