by C Song

Created on: November 29, 2010   Last Updated: November 30, 2010

In his seminal work Leviathan, Hobbes constructs a vision of the state of nature in absence of government, wherein war is a constant and man’s life is famously described as “solitary, poore, nasty, brutish, and short” (Hobbes 186). The innate selfish desires of man and how these translate to actions becomes the primary foundation of his political theory. Hobbes’ views on human nature, though decidedly reductive and cynical, allow him to methodically construct an argument for the necessity of government, in order to preserve existence of man.     

Hobbes’ premises on human nature begins with the idea that “nature hath made men so equal in the faculties of body and mind as that …when all is reckoned together the difference between man and man is not so considerable” (183). Every man is equal, but Hobbes does not interpret this equality in an affirmative light. He argues that quality can become dangerous, as every man has the ability to hurt another “[in] hope of attaining [their] own ends” (184).   

According to Hobbes, the three main sources of conflict stem directly from human nature. He states, “…in the nature of man, we find three principal causes of quarrel. First, competition; secondly, diffidence; thirdly, glory. The first maketh men invade for gain; the second, for safety; and the third, for reputation” (185). From Hobbes’ argument, it can be seen that mankind is not only naturally equal, but also naturally competitive, diffident, and glory-seeking.  Because of these traits, mankind will stoop to using violence as a means to an end. “The first use violence, to make themselves masters of other men's persons, wives, children, and cattle; the second, to defend them; the third, for…any other sign of undervalue, either direct in their persons or by reflection in their kindred…” (185). The competitive and selfish nature of man causes him to use violence toward personal gain of material goods , while the second, mistrust of others, incites violence over defending their own possessions. And finally, men so value their own reputations that the slightest disrespect could spark a violent response.

Hobbes’ negative characterization of human nature leads him to describe the state of nature, where mankind would be engaged in a  “condition which is called Warre; and such a warre as is of every man against

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