Thomas Hobbes Nasty Brutish And Short Quote
Introduction
Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher, considered one of the founders of modern political philosophy. He lived in the 17th century and is best known for his work “Leviathan” which discusses the social contract theory. One of his most famous quotes is “life is nasty, brutish and short”. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind this quote and its relevance today.
What did Hobbes mean by "nasty, brutish and short"?
Hobbes believed that in the state of nature, life was solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. By “state of nature” he meant a hypothetical situation where there was no government or social structure in place. People were free to do as they pleased and there was no one to enforce any kind of order or justice. In this situation, Hobbes believed that life would be violent and chaotic, with everyone fighting for their own survival.
Why did Hobbes believe this?
Hobbes believed that humans were naturally selfish and violent. He thought that without some kind of authority to keep them in check, people would act only in their own self-interest, and this would lead to a war of all against all. In his view, the only way to create a stable society was to have a strong government that could enforce laws and protect people from each other.
How does this relate to modern society?
While we may not live in a state of nature, Hobbes’ ideas about human nature still hold relevance today. Many people believe that humans are inherently selfish and that we need laws and regulations to keep us in check. Without them, we would revert to a state of chaos and violence. This is why we have governments and legal systems, to ensure that people are held accountable for their actions and that society remains stable.
What can we learn from Hobbes' philosophy?
Hobbes’ philosophy reminds us of the importance of social order and the role of government in maintaining it. It also highlights the need for individuals to act responsibly and follow the laws of society. While some may argue that humans are capable of living without government, Hobbes’ ideas suggest that this would only lead to a state of chaos and violence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thomas Hobbes’ quote “life is nasty, brutish and short” highlights his belief that without some form of government or social structure, life would be violent and chaotic. While we may not live in a state of nature, his ideas about human nature still hold relevance today. It reminds us of the importance of social order and the role of government in maintaining it. We can learn from Hobbes’ philosophy that individuals must act responsibly and follow the laws of society to ensure stability and order.