Assault Quote by Thomas Hobbes
“A man cannot lay down the right of resisting them that assault him by force, to take away his life.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Leviathan, 1651
The right to self‑defence is forfeited when one is forcibly killed, so resistance is impossible in that case.
In simple terms: You cannot resist when killed.
Key Takeaway
Accept limits of power.
Themes
rights
self‑defence
political philosophy
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- war
- legal rights
- personal safety
Key Concepts
social contract
state authority
Questions to Reflect On
- Is resistance ever justified against overwhelming force?
- How do societies protect those unable to defend themselves?
A Different Perspective
Even when powerless, moral duty may persist.
