Not believing in force is the same as not believing in gravitation

Not believing in force is the same as not believing in gravitation

Thomas Hobbes was a prominent English philosopher who is best known for his work on political philosophy. He is often considered one of the founding figures of modern political thought, and his ideas have had a lasting impact on the way we think about government and society.

One of Hobbes' most famous quotes is "Not believing in force is the same as not believing in gravitation." This statement reflects his belief in the necessity of a strong central authority to maintain order and prevent chaos in society. For Hobbes, the natural state of humanity is one of constant conflict and competition, and without a powerful government to enforce laws and keep people in line, society would quickly descend into violence and anarchy.

Hobbes believed that the only way to prevent this chaos was through the use of force. He argued that individuals are inherently self-interested and will always act in their own self-preservation, even if it means harming others. In order to prevent this destructive behavior, a strong central authority must be established to enforce laws and punish those who break them.