Thomas Hobbes: 'The privilege of absurdity; to which no living creature is subject, but man only.'

The privilege of absurdity; to which no living creature is subject, but man only.

The quote by Thomas Hobbes, "The privilege of absurdity; to which no living creature is subject, but man only," holds deep meaning and offers valuable insights into the nature of human existence. At its core, this quote suggests that humans possess a unique inclination towards embracing absurdity, unlike any other living creature on Earth. Hobbes highlights the distinct characteristic that sets us apart from the animal kingdom - our ability to engage in irrational and illogical behavior. This privilege of absurdity opens doors to new philosophical concepts, diving deeper into the complexities of human nature.In our day-to-day lives, we often witness instances where humans act in ways that seem completely irrational and absurd. From engaging in peculiar habits and beliefs to making questionable decisions without any apparent logical basis, our absurd inclinations are evident. This privilege of absurdity manifests itself in countless ways, allowing us to think outside the confines of rationality and explore the unexplored.It is crucial to analyze why humans possess this distinctive ability. One possible explanation lies in our capacity for imagination and creativity. Unlike any other species on Earth, humans have developed an extraordinary imagination that enables them to invent, innovate, and create. It is through this imaginative prowess that the privilege of absurdity emerges, as it offers an avenue for innovative and unorthodox ideas to flourish.However, delving deeper into this concept, we encounter an unexpected philosophical idea - the existential absurd. Coined by philosopher Albert Camus, the existential absurd refers to the inherent conflict between the human desire for meaning and the universe's indifference to our existence. This concept juxtaposes Hobbes' quote, as it suggests that while humans possess the privilege of absurdity, it may not always bring them true fulfillment.The existential absurd poses the question: is our inclination towards absurdity a genuine privilege, or a burdensome consequence of our existence? While Hobbes views it as a unique human trait, Camus provides a contrasting perspective by emphasizing the inherent discord between our quest for meaning and the chaotic nature of the universe.Exploring the relationship between Hobbes' quote and the existential absurd leads us to recognize the importance of balance in our lives. Embracing the privilege of absurdity allows us to think creatively and break free from societal norms, fostering innovation and progress. However, we must not allow ourselves to become unhinged from reality or lose sight of the pursuit of genuine meaning.In conclusion, the quote by Thomas Hobbes, "The privilege of absurdity; to which no living creature is subject, but man only," highlights the unique characteristic of human existence - our inclination towards embracing the absurd. This privilege allows us to tap into our imagination and explore unorthodox ideas. However, when analyzed through the lens of the existential absurd, we encounter a philosophical dichotomy that suggests the need for balance in our pursuit of meaning. By embracing the privilege of absurdity while staying grounded in reality, we can harness our creative powers to drive innovation and find true fulfillment in an often chaotic world.