Leviathan

"Leviathan," originally published in 1651, is a seminal work of political philosophy by Thomas Hobbes, written amid the turmoil of the English Civil War. In this influential text, Hobbes asserts that human nature is fundamentally ruthless and self-interested, advocating for governance by an absolute authority to ensure order and security. His arguments laid the foundation for modern social contract theory and continue to shape political thought today, highlighting the necessity of a sovereign power to mitigate human conflict.