Leviathan

Thomas Hobbes’s Leviathan is one of the most influential works of political philosophy ever written—but its 17th-century English can be a barrier for modern readers. This edition presents Hobbes’s arguments in clear, contemporary language while preserving his uncompromising logic and vivid imagery. From the famous depiction of life in the state of nature as “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short” to his defense of absolute sovereignty, Hobbes challenges us to think about why we obey authority and what we sacrifice for safety. Whether you are a student, a curious reader, or someone wrestling with questions of power and freedom today, this accessible version invites you to engage directly with a foundational text. Faithful to the original’s structure and meaning, it strips away archaic grammar without losing Hobbes’s force. Part of The Modern Wisdom Library.