Force Quote by Steven Pinker
“Probably Hobbes got it right when he said that a leviathan, a third party with a monopoly on the use of legitimate use of force in a territory, might be among the biggest violence reduction techniques ever invented.”
About This Quote
A strong central authority that monopolizes legitimate force can dramatically reduce violence, as Hobbes suggested about the Leviathan.
In simple terms: Strong authority can lower violence.
Key Takeaway
Support institutions that protect peace.
Themes
politics
security
philosophy
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- law enforcement
- conflict zones
- public safety
Key Concepts
state theory
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- Is violence reduction worth potential authoritarianism?
- How can we balance security and liberty?
A Different Perspective
Concentration of power may threaten freedoms.
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
