Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan Quotes

A collection of quotes by Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan.

Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher born in 1588 in Westport, Wiltshire. He is best known for his influential work, Leviathan, published in 1651 during the English Civil War. Hobbes lived in a time of political and social instability and developed unique views on the nature of society and government.

Throughout his life, Hobbes witnessed firsthand the destructive consequences of political conflicts, which greatly shaped his political philosophy. His ideas were influenced by the emerging scientific methods of his time and sought to provide a systematic understanding of human nature and the social contract.

In Leviathan, Hobbes presents a bleak and pessimistic view of human nature, arguing that individuals are naturally driven by self-interest and the pursuit of power. He advocated for a strong central authority, an absolute monarch, to maintain order and prevent the inherent conflicts and chaos arising from unrestrained human desires.

Hobbes' work challenged conventional beliefs regarding the divine rights of kings, emphasizing the importance of secular authority grounded in a social contract to ensure stability and peace. His ideas had a profound impact on political theory, shaping subsequent discussions on topics such as individual rights, the limits of government power, and the legitimacy of political systems.

Despite controversy and disagreements with his contemporaries, Thomas Hobbes remains a seminal figure in political philosophy, whose ideas continue to spark debate and influence contemporary thinkers.