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A review by zmb
Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
4.0
I entirely disagree with Hobbes's political philosophy (of near absolute slavery of subjects to an absolute monarchy, er, whatever sovereignty you live under, but really monarchy) and I find his religious musings mostly irrelevant (although I enjoy his early appeals to reason against Christianity).
However, Hobbes is obviously hugely influential, and, very surprising to me, rather humanitarian. It's clear that he derived his political philosophy after living through a state traumatized by civil war and very much at risk of slipping back into it. An all powerful state is maybe not a great solution, but it's a solution that _keeps the peace_ and that is the most important thing a state can do.
I disagree with his conclusion almost entirely but the train of thought and experiences that led to it are quite clear, rational, and well-argued.
However, Hobbes is obviously hugely influential, and, very surprising to me, rather humanitarian. It's clear that he derived his political philosophy after living through a state traumatized by civil war and very much at risk of slipping back into it. An all powerful state is maybe not a great solution, but it's a solution that _keeps the peace_ and that is the most important thing a state can do.
I disagree with his conclusion almost entirely but the train of thought and experiences that led to it are quite clear, rational, and well-argued.