Human Nature

My view on Hobbes's philosophy is similar to those of Will's and Nick's. Where I do not agree with Hobbes is in the amount of power a leader is given. If one person or a group of persons were given absolute power, over time these leaders would become corrupt and obsessed with their power. They would no longer seek the greater good, but only what would be beneficial to themselves. For the leader to efficiently control the community, he would have to invoke fear into his people and keep his power, but avoid growing a big head.

Along with this, many of the reasons Hobbes has stated as to why humans cannot live lawlessly, for example competition or reason, can be positive characteristics. Our naturally competitive behavior will sometimes lead us to work harder and improve. With reason we can innovate and strengthen communities. Hobbes portrays these factors as purely negative, though. As humans we can only fight for power and wealth, driven by our envy, greed, and rebellion. I believe this to be an extreme definition for human nature. Something a leader must also do to keep peace in his state is balance these emotions, for then there won't be as much of a tug-of-war for power.

I believe that people should be allowed their own free will within certain necessary laws. I don't believe one person or group of persons deserves absolute power over their people or in making decisions. Common people are not incapable of participating in politics, nor are they unable to control their darker instincts when given free will. There should be more of a balance between a community being lawless and Hobbes's beliefs.