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Excellent work Quote by Thomas Hobbes

“For what is the Heart, but a Spring; and the Nerves, but so many Strings; and the Joynts, but so many Wheeles, giving motion to the whole Body, such as was intended by the Artificer? Art goes yet further, imitating that Rationall and most excellent worke of Nature, Man. For by Art is created that…” quote by Thomas Hobbes
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““For what is the Heart, but a Spring; and the Nerves, but so many Strings; and the Joynts, but so many Wheeles, giving motion to the whole Body, such as was intended by the Artificer? Art goes yet further, imitating that Rationall and most excellent worke of Nature, Man. For by Art is created that great LEVIATHAN called a COMMON-WEALTH, or STATE, (in latine CIVITAS) which is but an Artificiall Man; though of greater stature and strength than the Naturall, for whose protection and defence it was intended; and in which, the Soveraignty is an Artificiall Soul, as giving life and motion to the whole body; The Magistrates, and other Officers of Judicature and Execution, artificiall Joynts; Reward and Punishment (by which fastned to the seat of the Soveraignty, every joynt and member is moved to performe his duty) are the Nerves, that do the same in the Body Naturall; The Wealth and Riches of all the particular members, are the Strength; Salus Populi (the Peoples Safety) its Businesse; Counsellors, by whom all things needfull for it to know, are suggested unto it, are the Memory; Equity and Lawes, an artificiall Reason and Will; Concord, Health; Sedition, Sicknesse; and Civill War, Death.””

Thomas Hobbes

About This Quote

Source Book: Leviathan, 1651, Thomas Hobbes

The state functions like a body, with institutions as organs, maintaining order and collective welfare.

In simple terms: Society is a living organism.

Key Takeaway

Support strong, organized governance.

Themes

politics society order philosophy

Mood

serious analytical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • government formation
  • legal reform
  • public health policy

Key Concepts

social contract statecraft collective identity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the limits of state power?
  • How can citizens ensure accountability?
A Different Perspective

Risk of authoritarian overreach if not balanced.

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