Hobbes for Today: Comparison, Distrust, and Digital Life

The chapter's central question

Indicators that seem to guarantee future opportunities, such as views, assets, and reputation, lead to endless accumulation of power. When other people's achievements are read as a sign of a threat to one's safety, comparison becomes competition, and competition breeds distrust. Hobbes makes us see peace of mind not just as a matter of willpower, but as a matter of rules to trust.

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Whenever we feel anxious or afraid, we feel ashamed of ourselves and ask ourselves, ‘Why am I so scared?’ But Hobbes will take your hand and say: 'Being afraid is proof that you are wise and full of vitality.'

If you are anxious about the future, don't try to cover up that anxiety with optimism. Like Hobbes, look straight ahead. 'What is the worst-case scenario that I'm really afraid of?'

And based on that fear, create safeguards that you can build today (emergency fund, building skills, honest contracts, trust with precious friends). When you stop avoiding your fears and turn to wise countermeasures, anxiety will become your most loyal sentinel.

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.

However, we cannot jump to the conclusion that strong control is the only answer. Modern democracy holds security, freedom, and responsibility for power together. The value of reading Hobbes today is not to replicate his answers, but to see what problems cannot be solved by individual good will alone in a society where trust has disappeared.

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?

A Transparent Record of Fear: Write honestly and without any additions or omissions the three realistic threats that terrify you the most right now.

Primary-source guide

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

Pathos Editorial · Reviewed 2026-09-12