Thomas Hobbes, born on April 5, 1588, in Westport, England, was a pioneering English philosopher renowned for his contributions to political theory and materialism. His most famous work, “Leviathan” (1651), explores the social contract and human nature, arguing that without government, life descends into chaos. Hobbes’ career included roles as a tutor, translator, and writer, influencing modern thought on governance, science, and society. Notable achievements include his advocacy for absolute sovereignty and his empirical approach to philosophy. The quotes below are sourced from his books, primarily “Leviathan,” and other writings, offering timeless reflections on life. This list presents 15 insightful quotes by Thomas Hobbes that delve into his views on the human condition.
Quote List
1. “The life of man in the state of nature is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” (Leviathan, “Leviathan”, 1651)
2. “In such a condition, there is no place for industry, because the fruit thereof is uncertain; and consequently no culture of the earth.” (Leviathan, “Leviathan”, 1651)
3. “The original of all great and lasting societies consisted not in the mutual good will men had towards each other, but in the mutual fear they had of each other.” (Leviathan, “Leviathan”, 1651)
4. “Man is a wolf to man.” (De Cive, “De Cive”, 1642)
5. “The right of nature, which writers commonly call jus naturale, is the liberty each man hath to use his own power as he will himself for the preservation of his own nature; that is to say, of his own life.” (Leviathan, “Leviathan”, 1651)
6. “A free man is he that in those things which by his strength and wit he is able to do is not hindered to do what he has a will to.” (Leviathan, “Leviathan”, 1651)
7. “The value or worth of a man is, as of all other things, his price; that is to say, so much as would be given for the use of his power.” (Leviathan, “Leviathan”, 1651)
8. “Laughter is nothing else but sudden glory arising from some sudden conception of some eminency in ourselves, by comparison with the infirmity of others, or with our own formerly.” (Leviathan, “Leviathan”, 1651)
9. “Words are wise men’s counters, they do but reckon with them, but they are the money of fools.” (Leviathan, “Leviathan”, 1651)
10. “Science is the knowledge of consequences, and dependence of one fact upon another.” (Leviathan, “Leviathan”, 1651)
11. “The universe, that is, the whole mass of all things that are, is corporeal, or material; and has the dimensions of magnitude, namely, length, breadth, and depth.” (Leviathan, “Leviathan”, 1651)
12. “Leisure is the mother of philosophy.” (Leviathan, “Leviathan”, 1651)
13. “Curiosity is the lust of the mind.” (Leviathan, “Leviathan”, 1651)
14. “The praise of ancient authors proceeds not from the reverence of the dead, but from the competition and mutual envy of the living.” (Leviathan, “Leviathan”, 1651)
15. “To this war of every man against every man, this also is consequent; that nothing can be unjust.” (Leviathan, “Leviathan”, 1651)
In summary, Thomas Hobbes’ quotes paint a vivid picture of life as a struggle marked by fear, self-interest, and the need for order, reflecting his belief in the harsh realities of human nature without societal constraints. They highlight themes of survival, conflict, and the quest for security, offering enduring lessons on existence. This exploration invites thoughtful consideration of how his ideas apply today. What insights do you draw from these quotes? Share your reflections in the comments below.