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A review by theaurochs
Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
3.0
A mostly rewarding slog. The first two sections of this work are incredible and deeply engaging; thorough examinations of statehood and from whence the powers of sovereignty are derived. We examine what these powers mean, how they can be used, how we develop social contracts to create states in the first place. It's absoluitely fascinating stuff, clearly argued and laid out with engaging metaphor and honest wit.
Unfortunately this is only the first half of the book. In the second half we take a detour into christian mythology and deep, deep biblical analysis. This goes so far off the rails of engagement I was struggling to stay zoned in from page to page, hoping beyond hope that we were about to come back around to some kind of point eventually. It does, but it's not nearly enough to justify the painful diversion we took to get there.
Strong recommend for the first two sections, strong avoid for the second two.
Unfortunately this is only the first half of the book. In the second half we take a detour into christian mythology and deep, deep biblical analysis. This goes so far off the rails of engagement I was struggling to stay zoned in from page to page, hoping beyond hope that we were about to come back around to some kind of point eventually. It does, but it's not nearly enough to justify the painful diversion we took to get there.
Strong recommend for the first two sections, strong avoid for the second two.