Human Nature, Greed, and the State

This chapter examines the interplay of human vulnerability and greed, advocating for the necessity of a governing authority to maintain order and ensure mutual security. It discusses both Hobbes' perspective on the formation of states and Rousseau's contrasting beliefs about human nature, highlighting the philosophical debates surrounding the social contract. The conversation emphasizes the role of the state as a mediator in conflict resolution and the importance of an independent arbiter in facilitating peace.