Philosopher · 1588 – 1679
Thomas Hobbes
Little-Known Facts
- Hobbes claimed he was born prematurely when his mother heard of the approaching Spanish Armada, joking that he and fear were born twins.
- He produced English translations of Thucydides, Homer, and other classical authors over his long life.
Myths & Misconceptions
Did Hobbes simply defend tyranny?
Not exactly. Hobbes favored a strong sovereign to secure peace, but his argument grounded authority in the consent of individuals seeking to escape violence, not in a ruler's mere whim.