Thomas Hobbes
Leviathan is a foundational work of political philosophy in which Hobbes argues that human beings, in their natural state, live in constant fear and conflict-a 'war of all against all.' To escape this chaos, individuals collectively agree to surrender some of their freedoms to a sovereign authority, creating a social contract. This sovereign-whether a monarch or an assembly-must hold absolute power to maintain peace and prevent a return to disorder. Hobbes also explores human psychology, religion, and the nature of civil society, ultimately insisting that strong centralized authority is essential for social stability.