Hobbes believed that people aren’t naturally peaceful—we’re driven by self-interest. Without a government to enforce rules, society would break down. To prevent this, we agree to a Social Contract—sacrificing some freedoms in exchange for safety and order.
He proposed a powerful central authority, which he called the Leviathan, to keep society in check. Though his idea sounds extreme, it laid the foundation for modern political philosophy.
How Does This Apply Today?
We constantly make decisions about freedom vs. security:
- Do we accept surveillance for the sake of national security?
- Should governments impose strict laws, or should people govern themselves?
- When do rules protect us, and when do they go too far?
Hobbes reminds us that total freedom isn’t always desirable—without structure, things can spiral into chaos. But how much control is too much? That’s the real debate.
Final Thoughts
Hobbes’ Leviathan might not be the perfect system, but it forces us to ask: How do we balance liberty and order?
