Meaning: This quote is from Thomas Hobbes, a 17th-century English philosopher best known for his work on political philosophy. The quote comes from his most famous work, "Leviathan," which was published in 1651. In this seminal work, Hobbes explores the nature of human beings, society, and the role of government in maintaining order and preventing chaos.

The quote succinctly captures one of Hobbes's central ideas - the concept of the state of nature. According to Hobbes, in the absence of a common power or authority to keep them in check, humans exist in a state of nature characterized by constant conflict and competition. This state of nature is one of perpetual war, where individuals are pitted against each other in a relentless struggle for survival and dominance.

Hobbes's characterization of the state of nature as a condition of war "of every man, against every man" reflects his belief that without a social contract or a sovereign authority to enforce order, humans are driven by their natural inclinations toward self-preservation and self-interest. In such a state, there are no enforceable rules or laws to govern behavior, leading to a chaotic and dangerous existence.

Hobbes's pessimistic view of human nature as inherently self-interested and prone to conflict is a foundational element of his political philosophy. He argues that the state of nature is a state of insecurity and instability, where life is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." In this context, Hobbes contends that the only way to escape the perils of the state of nature is for individuals to relinquish some of their freedom and enter into a social contract with one another, creating a common power or authority - the Leviathan - to maintain order and security.

The Leviathan, according to Hobbes, represents the sovereign authority that is necessary to prevent the descent into chaos and ensure the peaceful coexistence of individuals within a society. This authority is vested in a single ruler or governing body that has the power to enforce laws and maintain order, thereby mitigating the inherent conflicts of human nature.

Hobbes's ideas have had a profound influence on political thought and continue to be debated and discussed to this day. His emphasis on the need for a strong central authority to prevent the chaos of the state of nature has been both celebrated and critiqued by subsequent thinkers and political theorists.

In conclusion, Thomas Hobbes's quote encapsulates his grim assessment of the state of nature as a condition of perpetual war and conflict. It serves as a poignant reminder of his belief in the necessity of a common power to keep human beings in check and prevent the descent into chaos and anarchy. Hobbes's ideas continue to provoke important discussions about the nature of authority, the role of government, and the complexities of human nature in the context of political philosophy.