During the time men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that conditions called war and such a war, as if of every man, against every man.

Summary

This quote by Thomas Hobbes portrays the Hobbesian concept of the state of nature. Hobbes argues that in the absence of a central authority, society falls into a state of constant conflict. Without a common power to enforce order and control, individuals pursue their self-interests and engage in perpetual warfare with one another. According to Hobbes, this highlights the necessity of a strong government or sovereign to maintain social order and prevent chaos.

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