From Mutual Fear to Social Covenant

The chapter's central question

In a state of nature where there is no common power, people seek to secure power preemptively because of the possibility of being attacked. But the fear of violent death, the desire for a comfortable life, the hope of obtaining it by effort, make one listen to the peace provisions of reason. The same passion moves on both sides of the conflict and contract, depending on the terms.

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The most famous concept in Hobbes's famous book, Leviathan, is the 'State of Nature'. In a lawless world where there are no laws, police, or government, humans distrust each other and fall into a state of ‘all against all.’ There, human life is 'lonely, poor, harsh, cruel, and short.'

What was it that saved humans from this living hell? It was not a noble moral sense. It was the ‘terrible fear of violent death, of being stabbed to death at any moment.’

In the face of this great fear, humans finally exercised reason. 'Let us lay down our weapons and establish a common law and judge (state, Leviathan) that everyone must follow!' In other words, fear was the greatest driving force in human history that saved humans from destruction and created civilization and peaceful order.

Context and nuance

Hobbes understood humans as objects in constant motion, and explained emotions and desires as the beginning of that movement. His theory of emotions does not stop at individual psychology, but also extends to how competition, distrust, and desire for honor create political conflict and why common power is necessary.

A social contract is not maintained solely by promises to be good people to each other. We need a common power to give us confidence that it is safe to keep our promises. However, how wide a power established for security should have is a debate that remained even after Hobbes. Fear can create order, but it can also create excesses of power.

Do not oversimplify it this way

If we were to summarize Hobbes in one sentence: ‘Man is inherently evil and selfish,’ we would lose an important part. He also acknowledges compassion, curiosity, and a desire for peace. The problem is that, in conditions where resources are limited and each other's intentions are uncertain, even rational people can be tempted to strike first.

Philosophy in life

Have you ever felt cold at night because of the fear of failure and the anxiety of falling behind?

Acknowledging the continuity of desire: Let go of the illusion that ‘if I just solve this problem, I will be happy for the rest of my life’ and enjoy the small progress in daily life itself.

Primary-source guide

Primary guide: Leviathan, chapters 6, 11, 13, 14, and 17.

Pathos Editorial · Reviewed 2026-09-12