How Did Thomas Hobbes Contribute To The Enlightenment

The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement that stressed reason, thought, and the power of individuals to solve problem. These beliefs also paved the way for new ways of thinking about the government. Thomas Hobbes, an English philosopher, believed that humans were naturally selfish and wicked. Without a government to keep order, life would be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” The people would hand over their rights, and in exchange, they would receive law and order. Hobbes believed in a social contract, an implicit understanding between government and governed. His ideal government would be an absolute monarchy that holds power like a leviathan, a sea monster.

John Locke, also an English philosopher, believed that people
could learn from experience and had a natural ability to govern own affairs. He criticized absolute monarchy and favored ideas of self-government. Locke believed that all people were born free and equal with three natural rights: life, liberty, and property. He believed that the purpose of the government was to protect these rights. If they failed to do so, it is the citizen's responsibility to overthrow the government. Similar to Hobbes, Locke believed in the social contract. The government power came from the consent of the people.

John Locke’s view on government appeal to me more than Thomas Hobbes’. He has a much more relaxed opinion of government, rather than authoritarian. The people of the society have more freedom to do what they please.