Hobbes clearly proves that every creature Lives in a state of war by nature.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- References Hobbes' view that conflict is natural to human existence.
- In plain terms
- Nature forces creatures into constant struggle.
- What can you take from it?
- Conflict may be inherent in nature.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is peace natural or forced?
- What is human nature?
Another view
Not all philosophers agree that war is the natural state.
More from Jonathan Swift
Yet malice never was his aim; He lashed the vice but spared the name. No individual could resent, Where thousands equally were meant. His satire points at no d…
Permalink to quote #28 So, naturalists observe, a flea Hath smaller fleas that on him prey; And these have smaller still to bit 'em; And so proceed ad infinitum. Thus every poet, in …
Permalink to quote #30 A child will make two dishes at an entertainment for friends; and when the family dines alone, the fore or hind quarter will make a reasonable dish, and season…
Permalink to quote #27
Related quotes
Here from this mountain shore, headland beyond stormy headland plunging like dolphins through the blue sea-smoke Into pale sea - look west at the hill of water…
Robinson JeffersRobinson Jeffers quote #36 And the war rages on in a land called somewhere And Generals order their men to kill And to fight for a cause theyve long ago forgotten While a little cloud we…
Paul SimonPaul Simon quote #1 To a gentleman, who, at the close of a fierce dispute with Porson, exclaimed, 'My opinion of you is most contemptible, Sir'; he retorted, 'I never knew an opin…
Richard PorsonRichard Porson quote #1