Cardinals Quote by Thomas Hobbes
“To this war of every man against every man, this also in consequent; that nothing can be unjust. The notions of right and wrong, justice and injustice have there no place. Where there is no common power, there is no law, where no law, no injustice. Force, and fraud, are in war the cardinal virtues.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Leviathan, 1651
In a state of nature without a sovereign, there is no law, thus no injustice; power and deceit become the guiding principles.
In simple terms: Without authority, law and justice disappear, leaving only force and fraud.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the need for shared authority to prevent chaos.
Themes
politics
philosophy
law
human nature
conflict
Mood
cautious
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- war
- government formation
- international relations
- legal systems
Key Concepts
social contract
state of nature
authority
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- Can informal norms replace formal law?
- What role does mutual interest play in preventing chaos?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all societies lack any informal norms that can regulate behavior.
