Thomas Hobbes, a 17th-century English philosopher, is best known for his work Leviathan, where he outlines his views on human nature, the necessity of a strong central authority, and the social contract. His ideas significantly shaped political philosophy, particularly regarding the role of government and the nature of human conflict. Here are some of Hobbes’ most famous quotes:
- “The life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
- This is perhaps Hobbes’ most famous line, from Leviathan. It reflects his pessimistic view of human nature in the absence of a strong, centralized government. Without social order, Hobbes believed life would devolve into chaos.
- “In the state of nature, profit is the measure of right.”
- In Leviathan, Hobbes argues that in a state of nature—where there is no law or government—individuals act based on self-interest. The pursuit of profit and personal gain drives their actions, often leading to conflict.
- “Without the civil magistrate, we would all be in a state of war, every man against every man.”
- This statement further reflects Hobbes’ belief in the necessity of a strong central authority. Without a sovereign ruler, Hobbes contends, society would descend into constant conflict, with each person fighting for their own survival.
- “Man is by nature a social animal, but he is also a selfish one.”
- This quote highlights Hobbes’ view that while humans have a natural tendency to form societies, their selfish instincts often lead to competition and conflict. Thus, the social contract becomes necessary to regulate these instincts.
- “The right of nature, which writers commonly call jus naturale, is the liberty each man hath to use his own power as he will himself for the preservation of his own nature.”
- Hobbes argues that in the state of nature, individuals have a natural right to do whatever is necessary for their self-preservation, even if it means harming others. This right is foundational to his concept of the social contract.
- “A covenant not to defend myself from force, by force, is always void.”
- Here, Hobbes argues that self-defense is a fundamental natural right. If one agrees not to use force to defend themselves, that agreement is void, as it contradicts the inherent right to protect one’s life.
- “The condition of man… is a condition of war of everyone against everyone.”
- In this famous quote from Leviathan, Hobbes describes the “state of nature” as one where there is no authority or laws to prevent conflict. Without a common power to maintain order, people would constantly be at war with each other.
- “Curiosity is the lust of the mind.”
- Hobbes suggests that curiosity, or the desire to know and understand the world, is a powerful and inherent force in human nature, comparable to physical lust. He views this as a driving force in intellectual inquiry.
- “The value of money is the value of its use.”
- Hobbes’ thoughts on economics and human behavior include his perspective that money’s worth is derived from its utility in achieving personal ends. This insight ties into his broader ideas about human self-interest.
- “It is by covenant only that men can escape the condition of war and find peace.”
- This quote underlines Hobbes’ belief in the social contract as the solution to the natural state of war. The establishment of laws and a sovereign power through mutual agreement is the only way to ensure peace and security.
- “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.”
- Hobbes identifies fear of death, desire for basic needs, and hope for a better life as the primary motivations for humans to form societies and seek peace, as these passions push them to create rules and systems to protect themselves.
- “For the laws of nature, as justice, equity, modesty, mercy, and, in sum, every thing that is moral, are not the precepts of any man, but the conditions necessary to men living together in peace.”
- Hobbes emphasizes that moral laws are not based on divine or societal commandments but are the practical conditions necessary for peaceful coexistence. These principles emerge out of the need for social cooperation.