Corporations may lesser commonwealths in the bowels of a greater, like worms in the entrails of a natural man

Corporations may lesser commonwealths in the bowels of a greater, like worms in the entrails of a natural man

Thomas Hobbes, a prominent English philosopher of the 17th century, is best known for his work on political philosophy and his seminal work, Leviathan. In Leviathan, Hobbes famously wrote, “Corporations may lesser commonwealths in the bowels of a greater, like worms in the entrails of a natural man.” This statement reflects Hobbes’ view on the nature of corporations and their relationship to the state.

Hobbes believed that the state, or commonwealth, was necessary to maintain order and prevent chaos in society. He argued that individuals in a state of nature were driven by self-interest and a desire for power, which would inevitably lead to conflict and violence. In order to avoid this state of war, individuals would come together to form a social contract and create a sovereign authority to enforce laws and maintain order.