"Man is a political creature."
Thomas Hobbes' quote "Man is a political creature" underscores his belief that humans, by nature, are social beings who seek companionship and cooperation for their survival and wellbeing. This implies that the political structure, which includes laws, governance, and society, is not an artificial construct imposed upon humanity, but rather a natural extension of our inherent social nature. In essence, he suggests that humans have an innate drive to live in organized communities and that this desire is as fundamental as their biological needs for food, shelter, and safety.
"The life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."
This quote by Thomas Hobbes paints a bleak picture of human existence in the state of nature, prior to government or society. He describes it as solitary (isolated), poor (lacking resources or wealth), nasty (dirty, unpleasant), brutish (violent, cruel) and short (short-lived due to the constant threat of death). This perspective underscores Hobbes' belief in the need for a strong central authority to maintain peace and order among individuals, as life in a lawless state is inherently harsh and dangerous.
"In the nature of things, bounty is never found without excess, and therefore the wiser sort lay up some part in reserve for accidents and immoderate uses."
This quote by Thomas Hobbes emphasizes that generosity or abundance (bounty) inherently involves more than what is needed (excess). Wise individuals, therefore, set aside a portion of their resources for unexpected events or excessive use, acknowledging the potential risks and uncertainties in life.
"Fear of death, which is the thought of non-existence, makes men live doubly, and to follow diligently that which seems conducive to the prolongation of life."
Thomas Hobbes suggests that the fear of death, or the idea of non-existence, compels humans to value and prioritize their continued existence. This fear motivates individuals to live more cautiously and diligently, adhering to activities and behaviors that seem to promote longevity. In essence, people are driven by a survival instinct fueled by the fear of death, leading them to prioritize self-preservation and life extension.
"Justice cannot be the end of the sovereign; for there would be no supremacy."
Thomas Hobbes, in this quote, emphasizes that a sovereign cannot have justice as its ultimate goal because it would undermine its authority. In a state ruled by justice alone, the sovereign would not be supreme, as there would always be another source of authority - i.e., adhering to the principles of justice. Hobbes believed that for a political body to function effectively and maintain order, it must have an absolute ruler who holds all power and allegiance. Justice might be a means to this end but cannot supersede the sovereign's ultimate authority in his view.
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