English philosopher Thomas Hobbes saw humans as naturally selfish and quick to fight. He believed that before there were governments, people lived in a state of nature. In a state of nature, everyone had a right to everything. In order to get what they wanted, people would always be at war with everyone else. Nobody would produce anything like inventions, art, or even crops or tools because they would be afraid other people would take them away. Hobbes didn't paint a very pretty picture of life without government.

Question

What should I highlight and take notes of here?

Answer 1

- Humans seen as naturally selfish and prone to conflict according to Thomas Hobbes
- Concept of state of nature and its implications
- Idea of everyone having a right to everything in a state of nature
- Constant state of war and fear of others taking belongings or resources
- Lack of production, inventions, art, crops, and tools due to fear of theft
- Negative portrayal of life without government