Hobbes' and Locke's theories have little influence in American thought today. Hobbes' Leviathan has been used as a bible by the dictatorships of Africa. Locke had great influence during the time of the American Revolution. His writing influenced the Declaration of Independence. Today, all politics are local. Politics has been reduced to a combination of, "What have you done for me lately?" "I want mine now." And mantras. Too much American thought today consists of politically correct thinking and wants little to do with the writings of dead white men. Maybe some day America will return to such interest.
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Hobbes, Locke Rousseau
Hobbes wanted a strong government monarchy.
Thomas Hobbes wrote the book Leviathan.
Thomas Hobbes wrote the Leviathan (1651). He was convinced that all humans were naturally selfish and wicked. Without government to keep order Hobbes said, there would be "war . . . of every man against every man," and life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." In order to escape such a bleak life people had to hand over their rights to a strong ruler.
Two fameous philosophers. To make a long story short, Locke-People are good Hobbes-People are bad