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Thomas Hobbes: Leviathan A book called Leviathan (1660), written by Thomas Hobbes, in argues that all social peace and unity is and can be achieved through the use of a sovereign power. Hobbes begins the Leviathan with his theories on man. He believes men are a basic creature and relativity simple. They are nothing but creatures that react to their surroundings, which leads to their wants and desires. Because the world’s environment is ever changing so is man. All of these different desires floating around puts man in an unending warring state.
In this never ending violent state men are reduced to living in constant fear and in a state of endless anxiety. Men only think for their own lives because of this, and Hobbes solution is to create a state that has a main goal of protecting the ever nervous creatures. The second part of the book is then brought into play; man’s duties to this government that is trying to protect them. In the eyes of Hobbes, the most efficient form of government is a monarchy because is a single power, strong enough to save man from outside invaders and from themselves.
The subjects f such a government have a complete and total duty to their government. Of course there is always the option to leave if one does not like the ideals however, this places man back in the state of constant warring and always defending one’s self. Next, Hobbes ponders the question of obedience to divine and sovereign authority. He concludes that there is no reason for the two to clash. But, because of man’s belief that god is within human reach, the two conflict.
According to Leviathan, because God is supernatural and unreachable, man has no claim to elisions authority, leaving only worldly authorities to answer to such as the law. Finally, The final chapter of Leviathan describes a setting for man when they do not follow the rules and ideals set forth for them. In this life, there is an endless manipulation of man by others and they cycle continues. Without man being ruled and governed by a state or government, life is full of anxiety and social unrest. Leviathan gives insight of Hobbes ideals that he believes will bring about civil peace and unity.