Thomas Hobbes believed in a strong central authority to prevent chaos and violence, advocating for an absolute monarchy where individuals surrender their rights for security and order, as outlined in his work "Leviathan." In contrast, john Locke emphasized natural rights—life, liberty, and property—and argued that government should be a social contract with the consent of the governed, where the authority is limited and accountable to the people. While Hobbes viewed humanity as inherently self-interested and in need of control, Locke had a more optimistic view of human nature, believing that individuals could govern themselves through reason and cooperation. These differing perspectives laid foundational ideas for modern political philosophy and governance.
