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Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher who is best known for his work on political philosophy. He is considered one of the most influential thinkers of the 17th century and his works have had a lasting impact on modern political thought. His famous quotes are still widely quoted today and provide insight into his views on government, society, and human nature.
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Introduction to Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes was born in 1588 in Wiltshire, England. He was educated at Oxford University and went on to become a tutor to the Cavendish family. He wrote several books on political philosophy, including Leviathan, which is considered his most famous work. In it, he argued for a strong central government and the need for citizens to give up some of their rights in order to ensure peace and stability. He also wrote extensively on human nature, arguing that humans are naturally selfish and competitive and that this is the source of conflict in society.
Thomas Hobbes Quotes on Government
Hobbes was a strong advocate for a strong central government and believed that it was necessary for the preservation of peace and order. He famously wrote, “The only way to erect such a common power, as may be able to defend them from the invasion of foreigners, and the injuries of one another, and thereby to secure them in such sort, as that by their own industry, and by the fruits of the earth, they may nourish themselves and live contentedly, is to confer all their power and strength upon one man, or upon one assembly of men, that may reduce all their wills, by plurality of voices, unto one will.”
Thomas Hobbes Quotes on Society
Hobbes believed that humans are naturally selfish and competitive and that this is the source of conflict in society. He wrote, “In such condition, there is no place for industry, because the fruit thereof is uncertain: and consequently no culture of the earth; no navigation, nor use of the commodities that may be imported by sea; no commodious building; no instruments of moving, and removing, such things as require much force; no knowledge of the face of the earth; no account of time; no arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst of all, continual fear, and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
Thomas Hobbes Quotes on Human Nature
Hobbes argued that humans are naturally selfish and competitive and that this is the source of conflict in society. He wrote, “The natural passions of men are ambition, avarice, and the like; which, if they be not regulated by laws, will carry men into actions destructive to the peace of society.” He also argued that humans are naturally rational and that this is the source of progress in society. He wrote, “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.”
Conclusion
Thomas Hobbes was a renowned English philosopher who wrote extensively on political philosophy. His famous quotes provide insight into his views on government, society, and human nature. He argued for a strong central government and the need for citizens to give up some of their rights in order to ensure peace and stability. He also argued that humans are naturally selfish and competitive and that this is the source of conflict in society. He also argued that humans are naturally rational and that this is the source of progress in society.