Thomas Hobbes
Political philosopher known for social contract theory.
8 quotes in this collection. Read them below, share your favourites, or follow the related links to explore similar voices.
All quotes by Thomas Hobbes
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“Force, and fraud, are in war the two cardinal virtues.”
Meaning: Hobbes cynically notes that power and deception dominate warfare. -
“Covenants, without the sword, are but words.”
Meaning: Agreements require enforcement; without power, promises hold no weight. -
“Curiosity is the lust of the mind.”
Meaning: Desire for knowledge drives human inquiry and progress. -
“The life of man is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
Meaning: Hobbes describes life without social order as harsh and chaotic. This supports his argument for strong governance to maintain stability and security. -
“The life of man [is] solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
Meaning: Hobbes describes life without societal structure as chaotic and harsh, emphasizing the need for governance. -
“No arts; no letters; no society.”
Meaning: This reflects Hobbes' view that without order, culture and civilization cannot exist. Stability is necessary for human progress. -
“Words are wise men's counters, they do but reckon by them.”
Meaning: Language is a tool for reasoning, not an end in itself. -
“Knowledge is power.”
Meaning: Hobbes emphasizes that understanding and information provide individuals with influence and control over situations.