The Leviathan

"The Leviathan" is a philosophical work by Thomas Hobbes published in 1651. It explores the nature of human society and the necessity of a strong central authority to prevent chaos and violence. Hobbes argues that without a governing power, life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." He advocates for a social contract where individuals surrender some freedoms to a sovereign authority in exchange for peace and security. The title references a biblical sea monster, symbolizing the formidable power of government needed to maintain order in society.