Thomas Hobbes: 'The praise of ancient authors proceeds not from the reverence of the dead, but from the competition and mutual envy of the living.'

The praise of ancient authors proceeds not from the reverence of the dead, but from the competition and mutual envy of the living.

Thomas Hobbes, the renowned English philosopher, once wrote, "The praise of ancient authors proceeds not from the reverence of the dead, but from the competition and mutual envy of the living." This thought-provoking quote delves into the dynamics of admiration for literary classics and provokes us to question the true motives behind it. At first glance, Hobbes suggests that praise of ancient authors is not driven by genuine respect for the deceased but by a desire for recognition and fame within the literary community. However, this interpretation merely scratches the surface of the idea and overlooks a deeper philosophical concept—namely, the interplay between competition and envy in intellectual discourse.The straightforward interpretation of Hobbes' quote highlights the role of competition and envy among contemporary writers. In a world where aspiring authors fiercely seek recognition and influence, the ability to identify with and learn from the works of ancient authors can be viewed as a strategic advantage. One might praise the wisdom of ancient literary giants not out of genuine respect, but rather as a way to establish oneself as a worthy competitor in the literary arena. This interpretation emphasizes the importance of reputation and the desire for a prominent position among one's contemporaries.While Hobbes' notion of competition and envy as driving forces behind the praise of ancient authors may seem disheartening, it also invites us to consider a broader perspective. The admiration of classics can lead to intellectual growth and the expansion of human knowledge. By engaging with the thoughts and ideas of these authors, contemporary writers are not only competing for recognition but also participating in an ongoing dialogue that spans centuries. The envy that may arise is not necessarily malicious; rather, it arises from an aspiration to contribute something of equal or greater value to the literary canon.Furthermore, the idea that praise for ancient authors stems solely from competition overlooks an essential aspect of intellectual progress—the human universal thirst for knowledge. Throughout history, individuals have sought knowledge and wisdom as a means to understand the world and navigate their own lives. Praise for ancient authors, then, can also be seen as a genuine reverence for their contributions to the collective body of knowledge. In this sense, the envy that Hobbes describes is not solely rooted in competition but rather in a deep yearning to achieve a similar level of insight, influence, and impact.By introducing this unexpected philosophical concept, we can reframe Hobbes' quote to reflect a more nuanced perspective. The praise of ancient authors may indeed arise from competition and envy, but it is also driven by a sincere appreciation for their intellectual legacy. This dual nature of admiration for literary classics highlights the complexity of human motivations and the multifaceted dynamics of intellectual discourse.In conclusion, Thomas Hobbes' statement regarding the praise of ancient authors challenges us to reflect upon the underlying motivations behind this act. It suggests that competition and envy play a significant role in contemporary writers' reverence for these classics. However, a deeper analysis reveals that behind these less admirable motivations, there lies a genuine thirst for knowledge, a desire to engage in an ongoing intellectual dialogue, and a yearning to make a meaningful contribution. Ultimately, the quote raises profound philosophical questions about the nature of admiration, competition, and the pursuit of knowledge that resonates with both our contemporary society and the intellectual traditions of the past.