Desire Quote by Thomas Hobbes
“If any two men desire the same thing, which nevertheless they cannot both enjoy, they become enemies.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Leviathan, 1651
When two people covet the same unattainable thing, rivalry turns into hostility.
In simple terms: Shared desire for exclusive gain creates conflict.
Key Takeaway
Avoid competing for the same limited resource.
Themes
conflict
desire
competition
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- resource allocation
- relationship disputes
- political power struggles
Key Concepts
political philosophy
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you identify a situation where sharing could prevent enmity?
- What mechanisms can mitigate competition for scarce resources?
A Different Perspective
If the resource can be shared, rivalry may be avoided.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
