Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher, best known for his political philosophy. He was born on April 5, 1588, in Westport, Wiltshire, England. Hobbes is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of political philosophy and his work has significantly impacted the development of modern political thought.
Hobbes’ main philosophical ideas were centered around the concept of the social contract, the state of nature, and the role of government in society. His most famous book, “Leviathan,” which was published in 1651, outlines his ideas on the nature of human beings, the formation of society, and the role of the sovereign in maintaining order.
Hobbes believed that in the absence of government, human life would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. He argued that in the state of nature, there is a constant state of war and conflict as people compete for resources and self-preservation. Therefore, he believed that it is essential for there to be a powerful sovereign to maintain order and prevent chaos.
Hobbes’ political philosophy was heavily influenced by the turbulent political climate of his time, particularly the English Civil War. His experiences during this period shaped his belief that a strong, centralized government was necessary to prevent the chaos and violence that he witnessed during the war.
Hobbes’ ideas on the nature of human beings and the role of government have had a profound impact on the development of modern political thought. His concept of the social contract, where individuals agree to give up their freedom in exchange for security and order, has been influential in shaping ideas about the role of government and the rights of individuals in society.
Here are 20 classic quotes from Thomas Hobbes and their analysis:
“A man’s conscience and his judgment is the same thing; and as the judgment, so also the conscience, may be erroneous.” Analysis: Hobbes believed that our conscience is shaped by our judgment and can be influenced by our own biases and opinions. This idea reflects his belief in the importance of reason and rationality in shaping our moral beliefs and actions.
“The condition of man… is a condition of war of everyone against everyone.” Analysis: This quote reflects Hobbes’ belief in the state of nature, where he argued that in the absence of government, there is a constant state of war and conflict as people compete for resources and self-preservation.
“The passions that incline men to peace are fear of death, desire of such things as are necessary to commodious living, and a hope by their industry to obtain them.” Analysis: Hobbes believed that our desires for safety, comfort, and hope for a better future are the driving forces behind our inclination towards peace and the formation of society.
“For words are wise men’s counters, they do but reckon by them; but they are the money of fools.” Analysis: Hobbes believed that words only have value when they are backed by action and reason. He saw them as tools for communication and understanding, but also recognized that they can be used to manipulate and deceive.
“The privilege of absurdity; to which no living creature is subject, but man only.” Analysis: In this quote, Hobbes highlights the unique ability of humans to engage in irrational and absurd behavior, which he believed can be detrimental to the stability and order of society.
“The desires and other passions of man are in themselves no sin. No more are the actions that proceed from those passions till they know a law that forbids them; which till laws be made they cannot know, nor can any law be made till they have agreed upon the person that shall make it.” Analysis: Hobbes argued that without a common understanding of the laws that govern behavior, individuals are free to act according to their passions and desires. He believed that it is essential for there to be a sovereign authority to enforce laws and maintain order in society.
“I put for the general inclination of all mankind, a perpetual and restless desire of power after power, that ceaseth only in death.” Analysis: Hobbes believed that humans have an innate desire for power and influence, and that this desire is insatiable. He saw this as a driving force behind human behavior and the need for a sovereign authority to maintain order.
“The obligation of subjects to the sovereign is understood to last as long, and no longer, than the power lasteth by which he is able to protect them.” Analysis: Hobbes argued that the authority of the sovereign is contingent upon their ability to protect and maintain order for their subjects. If the sovereign fails to do so, the obligation of the subjects to obey is no longer valid.
“I put for the general inclination of all mankind, a perpetual and restless desire of power after power, that ceaseth only in death.” Analysis: Hobbes believed that humans have an innate desire for power and influence, and that this desire is insatiable. He saw this as a driving force behind human behavior and the need for a sovereign authority to maintain order.
“The obligation of subjects to the sovereign is understood to last as long, and no longer, than the power lasteth by which he is able to protect them.” Analysis: Hobbes argued that the authority of the sovereign is contingent upon their ability to protect and maintain order for their subjects. If the sovereign fails to do so, the obligation of the subjects to obey is no longer valid.
“Force and fraud are in war the two cardinal virtues.” Analysis: Hobbes recognized that in times of conflict and war, force and deception are essential tools for survival and victory. He believed that these qualities are inherent in the state of nature, and thus necessitated the need for a strong sovereign to prevent chaos and violence.
“The right of nature… is the liberty each man hath to use his own power, as he will himself, for the preservation of his own nature; that is to say, of his own life.” Analysis: Hobbes’ concept of the right of nature reflects his belief in the individual’s right to self-preservation and self-interest. He argued that in the absence of government, individuals are free to act in their own self-interest, which can lead to conflict and chaos.
“Covenants, without the sword, are but words, and of no strength to secure a man at all.” Analysis: Hobbes believed that without the threat of force, agreements and covenants are meaningless and have no power to compel individuals to follow through with their promises. He saw the use of force as essential in maintaining order and stability in society.
“Curiosity is the lust of the mind.” Analysis: Hobbes recognized that humans have an innate desire to seek out knowledge and understanding, which he believed can lead to intellectual pursuits, but also to conflict and competition.
“The value or worth of a man is, as of all other things, his price; that is to say, so much as would be given for the use of his power.” Analysis: Hobbes saw the value of a person in terms of their ability to exert power and influence. He believed that individuals are valued based on their ability to contribute to the interests of others and society as a whole.
“The secret thoughts of a man run over all things, holy, profane, clean, obscene, grave, and light, without shame or blame.” Analysis: Hobbes observed that the inner thoughts and desires of humans can encompass a wide range of ideas and emotions, and that these thoughts can be influenced by societal norms and expectations.
“All generous minds have a horror of what are commonly called ‘Facts’. They are the brute beasts of the intellectual domain.” Analysis: Hobbes recognized the tendency of some individuals to reject facts and evidence in favor of their own beliefs and desires. He believed that reason and rationality are essential in shaping our understanding of the world.
“Such is the nature of men, that howsoever they may acknowledge many others to be more witty, or more eloquent, or more learned, yet they will hardly believe there be many so wise as themselves.” Analysis: Hobbes observed the tendency of individuals to believe in their own wisdom and superiority, even when confronted with evidence to the contrary. He believed that this pride and arrogance can lead to conflict and disagreement.
“The imagination is the decaying sense.” Analysis: Hobbes believed that our imagination can distort our perception of reality and lead to irrational beliefs and fears. He saw the need for reason and evidence to counteract the influence of our imagination.
“The source of every crime, is some defect of the understanding; or some error in reasoning; or some sudden force of the passions.” Analysis: Hobbes argued that the root of all criminal behavior can be traced back to a lack of understanding, flawed reasoning, or impulsive emotions. He believed that individuals are driven by their desires and beliefs, which can lead to harmful actions.
“To this war of every man against every man, this also is consequent; that nothing can be unjust. The notions of right and wrong, justice and injustice have there no place.” Analysis: Hobbes believed that in the state of nature, where there is a constant war and conflict, individuals are free to act according to their own desires, without any concern for morality or justice. He saw the need for a sovereign authority to enforce laws and establish justice in society.
Hobbes’ upbringing and family life had a significant impact on his philosophical ideas. He was born into a family of modest means, and his father, a clergyman, abandoned the family when Hobbes was a young boy. This early experience of abandonment and instability likely shaped his belief in the need for a strong and stable government to maintain order and security.
Hobbes’ ideas on the nature of government and society have had a lasting impact on the development of modern political philosophy. His concept of the social contract and the role of the sovereign in establishing order and maintaining peace has been influential in shaping ideas about the role of government and the rights of individuals in society.
Thomas Hobbes’ ideas continue to be studied and debated by philosophers and political theorists, as his work remains relevant to contemporary discussions about the nature of government, the rights of individuals, and the formation of society. His influence on the development of modern political thought cannot be overstated, and his ideas continue to shape the way we think about the role of government and society.
