FAQ About Thomas Hobbes
What is the significance of Hobbes's statement, 'the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short'?
This statement encapsulates Hobbes' view of human existence in the state of nature, outside of structured society. It reflects his belief that without governance, humans would exist in constant conflict and fear, leading to a miserable existence. This view underscores his argument for the establishment of a strong sovereign authority to protect people from their own self-interested and destructive tendencies.
