Thomas Hobbes

What they argue

Thomas Hobbes is a foundational thinker of modern political philosophy and Western individualism. He explores the structural mechanics of power, the psychological roots of human behavior, and the biological and psychological reasons why humans require government.

1. The State of Nature

   This is a hypothetical condition of humanity without a common power to keep men in awe, characterized as a 'war of every man against every man.' It serves to establish the basis of 'right' and 'justice.'

   From De cive (book)

   • Says much the same Immanuel Kant — The State of Nature vs. The State of LawThe 'state of nature' is a state of war characterized by uncertainty and insecurity where liberty is worthless because it cannot be enjoyed peacefully. The 'state of…Perpetual peace, and other essays on politics, history, and morals
   • Pushes the other way John Locke — The State of Nature and Natural LawThe State of Nature is a pre-political condition of perfect freedom where humans are governed by the Law of Nature, which is reason. This law dictates that no one ought…Political writings

2. The Equality of Nature

   Humans are naturally equal because of their shared limitations, such as no one being strong enough to never be killed and no one being wise enough to never be deceived. This equality is a fundamental aspect of human nature.

   From Human nature (book)

   • A related idea Niccolò Machiavelli — The Reality of Human NatureHuman beings are generally fickle, selfish, and motivated by immediate gains rather than abstract virtues. Systems must be built on this reality rather than the…Discourses by Niccolo Machiavelli
   • A related idea Paramahansa Yogananda — The Dual Nature of HumanityEvery human being possesses a 'higher' spiritual nature that seeks unity with God and a 'lower' physical nature that seeks sensory gratification. Evil is the result of…Why god permits evil and how to rise above it

3. The Artificial Man

   The State is an artificial organism created by human art, functioning like an automaton where Sovereignty acts as the 'Artificial Soul.' It is designed to provide the motion and life necessary to preserve the common-wealth.

   From Leviathan (book)

   • A related idea Jill Lepore — TheThe Artificial State is a looming reality where human lives are governed not by the consent of the people, but by machines manufactured by corporations. This…OpenAI’s Two-Week Pause + Jill Lepore on the Threat of the “Artificial State” + Train of Thought

4. The Hierarchy of Necessity

   This logical progression of needs explains why we live under laws, starting with self-preservation as the primary goal of every human being. It is used to analyze social institutions and the need for security.

   From De cive (book)

   • A related idea Noel (Ben) — The Monopolization of NecessityThis concept explores how current societal structures, such as the automotive industry, are shaped by the control of essential needs. It is part of a 'Promethean'…Strange News: Celebrity Sharks, Gas Prices Spike, AI Disasters

5. The Survival Calculus

   This framework is used to evaluate social organizations or political systems by identifying the primary source of violence or instability. It focuses on the biological and psychological drivers of human behavior.

   From Human nature (book)

6. Human Motion

   Humans are essentially 'motion machines' driven by internal desires and external perceptions. Unlike other animals, humans possess a unique capacity for Reason.

   From Human nature (book)

   • A related idea Matt Ridley — Biological MachinesHumans are not purely autonomous agents making rational choices, but are instead biological machines running on ancient software. Our identities and instincts are…Genome
   • A related idea Don Miguel Ruiz — The Human MachineWe are born into a world where a collective 'dream' is created by society, parents, and media. This 'human machine' conditions us to accept labels and judgments as our…The Four Agreements

Every idea names the summary it came from. Written by a local model from this mind’s own work, never from memory.

Books 6

• Behemoth — The state is not merely a collection of individuals, but a collective 'artificial man'—a sovereign entity that…
• The metaphysical system of Hobbes — Reality is not a collection of independent substances, but a continuous, unified flow of matter in motion, where…
• The elements of law — Law is the expression of the will of the sovereign, and its legitimacy derives entirely from its ability to provide…
• De cive — Humanity's only escape from a brutal, perpetual state of war is the surrender of individual liberty to a sovereign…
• Human nature — Humanity is driven by a restless, self-preserving desire for power that, in the absence of a common authority,…
• Leviathan — The State is an 'Artificial Man' created by human art to provide the security of the common-wealth, where sovereignty…