Hobbes describes the state of mankind as everyone being at constant war with everyone else. He explains that each individual has the same basic wants and needs, including food, water, shelter, and everything else needed for basic survival. In this case, he goes on to explain, everyone must compete with everyone else to have enough of these things for themselves to survive. I agree with this claim because it is very true that everyone has these same basic needs. It is obvious that people will do whatever it takes to meet these needs, no matter what or who is in their way. An example of this in current society is seen by homeless people and homeless shelters. Those who are homeless are struggling to meet the basic needs that those who are wealthy so easily have and take advantage of. They are constantly at war with the world of those who are more privileged than they because they need these things to survive. This is why there are constantly beggers out on the street, who only want someone whose needs are taken care of to sacrifice a bit of money or food to help them survive. And yet, every day, there are people who walk right past these beggers without offering even a penny, sometimes because they chose to ignore those less fortunate than them, but also because they might subconsciously fear themselves eventually being forced to do the same. This example confirms Hobbes' claim that everyone is at war with everyone because the less fortunate people are constantly at war with those who are more fortunate, yet those who are fortunate live in constant fear of losing their privilege.
Hobbes also claims that everyone human follows the Law of Nature, which states that each individual must seek peace and follow it, and by all means defend oneself. By this, Hobbes explains that every person strives for the common goal of peace, happiness, and contentment. Every individual strives to meet their basic needs, at which point they can be at peace. But, along with seeking peace, every individual must do all that they can to protect themselves. An example of Hobbes' Law of Nature can be seen in strikes. In a strike, employees refuse to work until their demands are met. In most cases, this involves money or a raise in salary. Those who go on strike are demanding to be better compensated for the work that they do. This shows the Law of Nature because every person who goes on strike is seeking peace, in that they want to be making enough money to meet their basic needs. Strikes show personal defense because those who go on strike are defending themselves against inadequate compensation by employers.
In Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes describes how mankind is constantly at war with one another and how every individual follows the Law of Nature. This claim is very true and evident in today's society. Hobbes correctly identifies the state of mankind, and his claim holds prevalence and truth even today.
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