Comparison of Thomas Hobbes and John Locke Human Nature...

Amidst the bloodshed of the English Civil War, Thomas Hobbes realizes the chaotic state of humanity, which gravitates towards the greatest evil. Hobbes’ underlying premises of human nature–equality, egotism, and competition–result in a universal war among men in their natural state. In order to escape anarchy, Hobbes employs an absolute sovereignty. The people willingly enter a social contract with one another, relinquishing their rights to the sovereign. For Hobbes, only the omnipotent sovereign or â€Å"Leviathan† will ensure mankind’s safety and security. The following essay will, firstly, examine Hobbes’ pessimistic premises of human nature (equality, egotism, and competition), in contrast with John Locke’s charitable views of humanity;†¦show more content†¦Self-centered human nature drives men to egotism. Yet in a world of limited resources, as one man strives to satisfy his desires, he naturally diminishes other men†™s opportunity to fulfill their own needs, thus creating Hobbes’ third premise: competition. In human nature, â€Å"From equality of ability ariseth equality of hope in the attaining of our ends. And therefore, if any two men desire the same thing, which nevertheless the cannot both enjoy, they become enemies; and . . . endeavour to destroy or subdue one another† (Hobbes 75). Men compete with one another to gratify their desires and thus become enemies. Consequently, competition begets jealousy, envy, and hatred, which sparks war among people. Hobbes’ three premises of human nature, equality, egotism, and competition, set the stage for an all out war. In contrast to Hobbes’ pessimistic outlook, Locke places trust in the goodness of human nature. â€Å"This equality of men by nature . . . [obligates] mutual love amongst men, on which he builds the duties they owe one another . . . the great maxims of justice and charity† (Locke 8). While Hobbesian equality turns men against each another in the pursuit of similar desires, Locke’s state of equality encourages charity. Locke believes human nature freely shares itself with others: â€Å"Every one, as he is bound to preserve himself . . . ought he, to preserve the rest of mankind† (Locke 8). As much as one wishes to fulfill his own needs, he alsoShow MoreRelatedThe State Of Nature And Government1315 Words   |  6 Pages THE STATE OF NATURE AND GOVERNMENT Chloe Holmeshaw BF190 Dr. Charles Wells October 11, 2015 â€Æ' The State of Nature and Government The State of Nature and governing in â€Å"The State of Nature† are two subject that Hobbes and Locke both discuss in their book. The enlightenment period was a time of Learning, new inventions, new theories, and new government. 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