The Leviathan (book)

*The Leviathan*, written by Thomas Hobbes in 1651, is a philosophical work that explores the nature of human beings and the necessity of government. Hobbes argues that humans are naturally self-interested and prone to conflict, which can lead to chaos without strong authority. To avoid this, individuals consent to give up some freedoms and establish a central authority—a so-called "Leviathan" or sovereign—that maintains peace and order. The book emphasizes that a powerful, centralized government is essential for societal stability, and it lays the foundation for modern political philosophy concerning authority and social contracts.