Leviathan
, first published in 1651, presents a profound exploration of political philosophy during a tumultuous period in England. Hobbes delves into the nature of human beings and society, arguing that in the state of nature, without a governing authority, life would be solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short. To avoid this chaotic existence, Hobbes posits the necessity of a powerful sovereign, or Leviathan, to maintain order and protect individuals from the inherent conflicts of human nature. He asserts that individuals, driven by self-preservation, should submit to a social contract wherein they surrender certain freedoms to the sovereign in exchange for security and stability. Hobbes' work lays the groundwork for social contract theory and remains a seminal text in political philosophy, addressing fundamental questions about the nature of government and human society. This edition brings together the Parts I, II, III, and IV of this work. The text was modernised for modern English to improve the reading experience of the reader.