I think the single state object in React/Redux is more an implementation detail than anything. Using regular js variables would allow free mutation for everyone

I think the single state object in React/Redux is more an implementation detail than anything. Using regular js variables would allow free mutation for everyone at any place, so a new "variable system" must be created by encapsulating all state in an object. You cannot avoid keeping state and mutating it, the point is to do so in a predictable and controlled way. It is not that relevant whether you refer to `state.value` or just `value` as long as you're able to keep track of all your mutation sources easily. Having a global object is just a way of conveniently do that in javascript.