The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 03 (of 11) — Thomas Hobbes — John Shaqi
The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 03 (of 11)
Thomas Hobbes · en
But though there had never been any time, wherein particular men were in
a condition of war one against another; yet in all times, kings, and
persons of sovereign authority, because of their independency, are in
continual jealousies, and in the state and posture of gladiators; having
their weapons pointing, and their eyes fixed on one another; that is,
their forts, garrisons, and guns upon the frontiers of their kingdoms;
and continual spies upon their neighbours; which is a posture of war.
But because they uphold thereby, the industry of their subjects; there
does not follow from it, that misery, which accompanies the liberty of
particular men.
[Sidenote: In such a war nothing is unjust.]
To this war of every man, against every man, this also is consequent;
that nothing can be unjust. The notions of right and wrong, justice and
injustice have there no place. Where there is no common power, there is
no law: where no law, no injustice. Force, and fraud, are in war the two
cardinal virtues. Justice, and injustice are none of the faculties
neither of the body, nor mind. If they were, they might be in a man that
were alone in the world, as well as his senses, and passions. They are
qualities, that relate to men in society, not in solitude. It is
consequent also to the same condition, that there be no propriety, no
dominion, no _mine_ and _thine_ distinct; but only that to be every
man’s, that he can get; and for so long, as he can keep it. And thus
much for the ill condition, which man by mere nature is actually placed
in; though with a possibility to come out of it, consisting partly in
the passions, partly in his reason.
[Sidenote: The passions that incline men to peace.]
The passions that incline men to peace, are fear of death; desire of
such things as are necessary to commodious living; and a hope by their
industry to obtain them. And reason suggesteth convenient articles of
peace, upon which men may be drawn to agreement. These articles, are
they, which otherwise are called the Laws of Nature: whereof I shall
speak more particularly, in the two following chapters.
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CHAPTER XIV.
OF THE FIRST AND SECOND NATURAL LAWS, AND
OF CONTRACTS.
[Sidenote: Right of nature what.]
The RIGHT OF NATURE, which writers commonly call _jus naturale_, is the
liberty each man hath, to use his own power, as he will himself, for the
preservation of his own nature; that is to say, of his own life; and
consequently, of doing any thing, which in his own judgment, and reason,
he shall conceive to be the aptest means thereunto.
[Sidenote: Liberty what.]