Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, 1660 Quotes

A collection of quotes by Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, 1660.

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) was an English philosopher and political theorist best known for his influential work, Leviathan (1660). Born prematurely during a time of political and religious turmoil, Hobbes experienced firsthand the destructive consequences of the English Civil War. In his book, Leviathan, Hobbes presented a compelling argument for the necessity of a strong central authority and absolute monarchy to maintain social order and prevent the state of nature - a condition he described as a "war of every man against every man." Hobbes' ideas on social contract theory and his pessimistic view of human nature continue to shape political thought to this day.