Leviathan

Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes (1651)

"The life of man: solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." Hobbes' argument that only a powerful sovereign can prevent the war of "all against all" — the most influential work of political philosophy in the English language.

Historical Significance:
Thomas Hobbes published Leviathan in 1651 during the English Civil War, arguing that peace requires surrendering individual freedoms to an absolute sovereign (the "Leviathan"). Writing from exile in Paris, Hobbes created the concept of the social contract — the idea that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed, even if that consent is motivated by fear. Locke, Rousseau, and every subsequent political philosopher responded to Hobbes. The book remains essential reading in political science, philosophy, and law programs worldwide.

This public domain classic was originally published in 1651. Free to read and share.