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About this quote

What does it mean?
One cannot give up the right to resist violent assault because it threatens one's life and cannot be justified as a good act.
In plain terms
Resisting violent attacks is a justified right.
What can you take from it?
Defend the right to self‑defence against force.

Where it applies

  • personal safety
  • legal defense

Putting it to work

  • assert right to resist
  • seek lawful protection

Questions to consider

  • What constitutes legitimate self‑defence?
  • When might resistance be unlawful?

Another view

Determining legitimate resistance can be complex.

More from Thomas Hobbes

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  2. That a man be willing, when others are so too, as farre-forth, as for Peace, and defence of himself he shall think it necessary, to lay down this right to all …

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  3. [In a state of war] No arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst of all, continual fear and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor…

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