Back to our Nature

            I can somewhat follow Hobbes’ theory on the fundamental nature of man. I agree with the fact that man is naturally brutal and equal and it is that equality that makes us think we deserve everything someone else has. And because we are equal, everything is ours, including other’s stuff. And I agree with his conclusion from that: we need government to keep that peace and keep one another from killing each other and taking anything we want.

            What confuses is me is his relationship between master and servant. I view that covenant as a smaller version of government. One submits to another for his own well-being and the well-being of society. But when a servant submits, all that is his becomes his master; in the words of Hobbes, “[The master] may exact the use thereof…of his [servant’s] goods, of his labour, of his servants, and of his children, as often as he shall think fit.” So once in this covenant, the relationship reverts back to the brutal and equal human nature, but is now only one sided. All that is his is mine, but mine is not his. Does Hobbes think that this fundamental nature is acceptable as long as it is ensuring the peace and well-being of the whole? He seems to show that we need government to prevent this, but his system of covenant seems to go back to this nature and make it worse in some degrees.