Human Nature In Machiavelli And Hobbes
Human Nature in Machiavelli and Hobbes
The understanding of human nature and the effects it has on the individual and society has been a serious topic in the philosophical world. Nicolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes were well known for their crucial roles in forming the foundation of political philosophy. While reading through Machiavelli’s The Prince and Hobbes’ Leviathan, both introduced a common focus on political theory even though living approximately 100 years apart. While learning about these two philosophers and their proposed theories, I noticed an innate relationship in the discussion of society’s human nature. Machiavelli ([1532] 2006) in The Prince theorizes the qualities that a dominant leader should have to gain and maintain power.
Hobbes ([1651] 2009) on the other hand expressed his theory of the social contract between the government and the people. The two different but yet similar ideologies of human nature are the main focus of this paper which leads to great comparison between Machiavelli’s stance of how to become a feared but successful leader and Hobbes’ view of having the people put all their faith in the all powerful ruler to guide them.
In his treatise, The Prince, Machiavelli ([1532] 2006) observes human nature as a divided sect of those who are powerful and those who follow the powerful. He believed that a secular life was more productive as morals were considered an obstacle. He felt that the people were untrustworthy and in times of turmoil, the citizens would not be willing to offer a helping hand. Machiavelli ([1532] 2006) questions the fidelity of the people and because of his insecurity he counsels the Prince that, “because men are wretched creatures who would not keep their word to you, you need not keep your word to them.”
The understanding of human nature and the effects it has on the individual and society has been a serious topic in the philosophical world. Nicolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes were well known for their crucial roles in forming the foundation of political philosophy. While reading through Machiavelli’s The Prince and Hobbes’ Leviathan, both introduced a common focus on political theory even though living approximately 100 years apart. While learning about these two philosophers and their proposed theories, I noticed an innate relationship in the discussion of society’s human nature. Machiavelli ([1532] 2006) in The Prince theorizes the qualities that a dominant leader should have to gain and maintain power.
Hobbes ([1651] 2009) on the other hand expressed his theory of the social contract between the government and the people. The two different but yet similar ideologies of human nature are the main focus of this paper which leads to great comparison between Machiavelli’s stance of how to become a feared but successful leader and Hobbes’ view of having the people put all their faith in the all powerful ruler to guide them.
In his treatise, The Prince, Machiavelli ([1532] 2006) observes human nature as a divided sect of those who are powerful and those who follow the powerful. He believed that a secular life was more productive as morals were considered an obstacle. He felt that the people were untrustworthy and in times of turmoil, the citizens would not be willing to offer a helping hand. Machiavelli ([1532] 2006) questions the fidelity of the people and because of his insecurity he counsels the Prince that, “because men are wretched creatures who would not keep their word to you, you need not keep your word to them.”