more from Thomas Hobbes

Single Idea 2369

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / C. Rights / 3. Alienating rights]

Full Idea

From the first law of nature (that we seek peace, but also defend ourselves) comes the second: that a man be willing to lay down his rights to all things, and be contented with so much liberty against other men as he would allow other men against himself.

Gist of Idea

If we seek peace and defend ourselves, we must compromise on our rights

Source

Thomas Hobbes (Leviathan [1651], 1.14)

Book Reference

Hobbes,Thomas: 'Leviathan', ed/tr. Macpherson,C.B. [Penguin 1981], p.190