Thomas Hobbes

Thomas Hobbes was a 17th-century philosopher known for his views on human nature, society, and governance. In his famous work, *Leviathan*, he argued that humans in their natural state are self-interested and in constant conflict, leading to a "war of all against all." To escape this chaos, he believed people must create a social contract, surrendering some freedoms to a powerful sovereign who ensures order and security. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern political philosophy, emphasizing the need for authority and the role of fear in shaping human behavior and societal structures.