Hobbes vs Machiavelli

Philosophy is an academic practice that dives into the study of the nature of things including knowledge, and existence. Its context of the norms of society and the reasons behind these norms are studied by philosophers whom include Thomas Hobbes and Nicolas Machiavelli. These two recognized philosophical minds have delved into the concept of a ruling government body, including governments and royalty. Hobbes penned the famous Leviathan while Machiavelli wrote the controversial The Prince. Both of these books include a deep look into powerful people and their ways of keeping peace and functionality in their given societies. Since the two came to their conclusions through different means, it is easy to see where the two would disagree; one wrote based on a logical standpoint of what should help a society run smoothly, and the other wrote based on what he actually observed and situations he studied. However, even though there are differences of writing between these two philosophers, there are both similarities and differences between their observations and conclusions about governors and the governed. While both Hobbes and Machiavelli believe in a very pessimistic view of society as a whole, their opinions differ in relation to the rulers’ treatment of their people.

Their pessimistic view is seen through their opinions of how humans should be treated, and the antagonistic characteristics of human nature rather than the good. In The Prince, Machiavelli focuses on the flaws of man, especially in relation to them at war. Whatsoever therefore is consequent to a time of Warre, where every man is Enemy to every man; the same is consequent to the time, wherein men live without other security, than what their own strength, and their own invention shall furnish them withall. In such condition, there is no place for Industry; because the fruit thereof is uncertain; … And the life of man, solitary, poore, nasty, brutish, and short(Hobbes, Chapter XIII).