Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan

Thomas Hobbes' "Leviathan" presents the idea that in a natural state, life is chaotic and brutal, driven by self-interest. To escape this anarchy, individuals collectively agree to form a social contract, surrendering some freedoms to a strong authority—a "Leviathan"—to ensure peace and security. This authority, often a monarch, has the power to enforce laws, as people prioritize stability over the freedom to act without restrictions. Hobbes argues that a powerful government is essential to prevent conflict and maintain order in society, laying a foundational concept for later contractarian theories on governance and societal structure.