| Promoting a system that is met with widespread | | | | most effective in ruling. Before you think the |
| refutation in todays democratic world, Leviathan | | | | form of government championed in Leviathan has |
| was met with almost universal acclaim when it | | | | been superseded by representative democracy |
| was published in 1651. It endorsed strong | | | | and is therefore not worth reading, it contains |
| government as the most reliable and effective | | | | highly insightful commentary on human nature, |
| form of government; in effect, it was legitimizing | | | | such as imagining our condition were higher |
| the right of monarchs not through the | | | | authorities (governments) not exist in order to |
| then-accepted reason of their 'divine right', but | | | | keep us in check. |
| through reason itself. | | | | "There is no such thing as perpetual tranquillity of |
| It is quite infamous today for both rejecting the | | | | mind while we live here; because life itself is but |
| separation of power doctrine (that there should | | | | motion, and can never be without desire, nor |
| be 2 or 3 sections of government so they keep | | | | without fear, no more than without sense." |
| each other in check to prevent abuses of power) | | | | This book inspired the surge of political treatises |
| and for advocating the right of the state to | | | | during the 17th and 18th century, including those |
| censor whatever publications they see fit. | | | | of John Locke and Rousseau amongst many |
| "I put for a general inclination of all mankind, a | | | | others. Also - if you are interested - Hobbes |
| perpetual and restless desire of power after | | | | translated numerous works of Ancient Greek and |
| power, that ceaseth only in death" | | | | Latin into English, including a complete translation |
| Absolute government is justified by hypothetically | | | | of The Iliad and The Odyssey. But Leviathan |
| supposing a world devoid of higher authority, a | | | | remained, both during his time and today, his |
| world which Hobbes believed would be 'war of all | | | | masterpiece, and his most famous work. Although |
| against all'. So a higher authority is necessary in | | | | its doctrine is rejected today due to the historical |
| order to prevent this brutish state, and Hobbes | | | | abuses of absolute governments, Leviathan still |
| believes that a strong, central government is | | | | contains a wealth of timeless wisdom and insight. |