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.

What should I take notes of here?

1 answer

1. Thomas Hobbes' belief about human nature: Hobbes saw humans as naturally selfish and prone to conflict. This understanding forms the basis for his argument about the need for government.
2. State of nature: People lived in a state of nature before the establishment of governments. In this state, everyone had a right to everything, and conflicts were inevitable.
3. War and fear: Hobbes argued that in a state of nature, people would constantly be at war with each other, seeking to obtain what they desired. This fear of losing possessions or resources hindered progress and cooperation.
4. Lack of production: Hobbes proposed that without government, people wouldn't produce inventions, art, crops, or tools due to their fear of these goods being taken away. The absence of stability and security hindered creative and productive endeavors.
5. Negative portrayal of life without government: Hobbes painted a grim picture of life in a state of nature, emphasizing the constant conflict, fear, and lack of progress that arises without a governing authority.