Thomas Hobbes' State of Nature and Social Contract

Thomas Hobbes describes the state of nature as a state of perpetual conflict where individuals are solely driven by self-preservation. He asserts that people transition from this chaotic state to a commonwealth ruled by a sovereign through their consent, relinquishing some liberties for mutual safety and peace. According to Hobbes, the sovereign, once established, holds absolute power and cannot be opposed, as people entrust their security and law enforcement to the ruler.