h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Wow, he sounds like an angry person. A complete contrast to his peers like William Morris and Edward Carpenter, who were far more socialist in their outlook. While you can agree with his view of human nature, he has completely ignored the more beautiful side of our nature. I am of the view that humanity, whilst being an aggressive beast capable of many vile acts, can also be a caring and philanthropic animal. He is also correct in the view that we have no inherent rights and his idea of losing self defence does have its merits. What I can't get the hang of is his assumption that a sovereign will have a benign outlook in our best interest. This is a tad niaive and gives the sovereign too much power, as we know and have seen power corrupts, still a fascinating theory.

'What I can't get the hang of is his assumption that a sovereign will have a benign outlook in our best interest.'

Thats my main problem with him as well. I'm not really a follower of Hobbes myself, but i find social contract theroy very intresting. It's odd how many and varyed peoples views of human nature are. And i agree with you that he ignores many of the good qualities in our natures.