Hobbes 2

A detailed Summary of Hobbes 2


Hobbes thinks it is necessary for all to confer their power unto the sovereign because when a man possesses the right to everything, it throws him into a war with his equals. Hobbes states, "Hereby it is manifest that during the time men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called war, and such a war as is of every man against every man (part I, chapter XIII)." A person would want to give up his rights because the state of war is very uncomfortable and to do so would improve his quality of life.

Before men gave away their right to some things, they lived in conflict with each other. They led lives of solitude and aggression. Because man had the right to attain anything he may desire he had to fight other men to gain what he wanted from them. He also had to fight in defense of himself and his possessions because another man might covet what he has (part I, chpater XIII). For example, if a person wanted his neighbor's car, he must fight and possibly kill


This state was not beneficial for man. Constantly having to battle in order to hold his own left no opportunities for enrichment. He had the right to everything, but was able to enjoy nothing; he had the car but was unable to drive it. The condition of war was uncomfortable for man. He was unable to explore and develop more land. It was impossibel to sustain engineering and trade. Scientific knowledge was unable to be expanded. Artistic expression was nonexistent; all emotions were manifested through violence. This made a miserable life for man, it was "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short (part I, chapter XIII)." As long as men held their right to everything, this dismal state persisted.

Man's nature does not necessitate him giving up his right and living in a state regulated by a ruler, but when this control leads to a much better life, it is rational for him to do so.

It is very beneficial for man to give up his right to everything. Man naturally desires a comfortable and relaxing existenc

Some common words found in the essay are:
Hobbes Hereby, , chapter xiii, war uncomfortable, car fight,

Approximate Word count = 684
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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