Thomas Hobbes: 'A man cannot lay down the right of resisting them that assault him by force, to take away his life.'

A man cannot lay down the right of resisting them that assault him by force, to take away his life.

In his famous quote, Thomas Hobbes emphasizes the inherent right of self-preservation and resistance to anyone who tries to forcefully take away one's life. It is a straightforward expression of the natural instinct to protect one's existence and highlights the immense importance of individual autonomy and freedom. However, let us delve deeper into the realms of philosophy and introduce an unexpected concept: existentialism. By examining the contrasting perspectives of Hobbesian philosophy and existentialism, we can explore different dimensions of human existence and the choices individuals make in the face of adversity.Hobbes's quote resonates with the notion of self-preservation, rooted in his philosophy of the social contract. According to Hobbes, individuals willingly surrender certain rights in order to establish social order and avoid the chaos of a state of nature. However, the fundamental right to protect one's own life is something that cannot be relinquished, and any attempt to take it away may be justifiably met with resistance. This perspective reinforces the inherent value of human life and underscores the idea that everyone has the right to defend themselves against harm.On the other hand, existentialism, a philosophical concept popularized by thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, provides a contrasting viewpoint. Existentialism posits that individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning and purpose in life. There is no overarching universal truth or morality that guides human existence. Within this context, the right to resist those who seek to take away one's life becomes a subjective choice rather than an inherent duty.According to existentialists, the responsibility lies with the individual to determine how they will respond to adversity and whether they should exercise their right to resist. Each person must face the question of whether their existence has enough value and subjective meaning to warrant fighting against forces that threaten their life. In existentialist philosophy, the choice to resist or not is intimately tied to questions of personal identity, authenticity, and the pursuit of individual freedom.By comparing the perspectives of Hobbesian philosophy and existentialism, we can examine the complexities inherent in the philosophical discussion surrounding the right to resist in the face of danger. While Hobbes emphasizes the inherent duty to protect one's existence, existentialism invites us to question and introspect upon the subjective nature of this decision.Ultimately, the quote by Hobbes captures a fundamental aspect of human nature – the instinct to preserve life. However, it also raises deeper philosophical questions about the meaning of life, the nature of freedom, and the individual's role in shaping their own destiny. It reflects the ongoing discourse between philosophers throughout history, highlighting the diversity of human thought and the ever-evolving understanding of what it means to be human.In conclusion, Thomas Hobbes's quote is a powerful reminder of the innate right to self-preservation and the duty to resist those who threaten one's life. It underscores the significance of individual autonomy and the value placed on human existence. By juxtaposing Hobbesian philosophy with existentialism, we gain a richer understanding of the complexities surrounding the right to resist. This exploration ultimately invites us to reflect on our own beliefs, values, and choices when confronted with adversity, initiating a continuous philosophical dialogue that transcends time and individuals.