Meaning: This quote by Thomas Hobbes, the famous English philosopher, captures the essence of his political theory regarding the relationship between the sovereign and the subjects. In his seminal work "Leviathan," Hobbes expounds on the nature of government and the social contract, laying the groundwork for modern political philosophy. This quote succinctly encapsulates the reciprocal nature of the relationship between the ruler and the ruled, emphasizing the dependence of the subjects on the sovereign's ability to protect them.

Hobbes was writing during a time of political upheaval in England, and his ideas were influenced by the tumultuous events of the English Civil War. His philosophy was shaped by the belief that human beings are inherently self-interested and driven by a desire for self-preservation. In this context, he argued that the establishment of a sovereign authority was necessary to maintain order and prevent the descent into a state of nature, where life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."

The quote emphasizes the conditional nature of the subjects' obligation to the sovereign. According to Hobbes, the subjects agree to surrender certain liberties and submit to the authority of the sovereign in exchange for protection and security. However, this obligation is contingent upon the sovereign's ability to fulfill their end of the social contract by maintaining peace and safeguarding the well-being of the people. Should the sovereign fail to uphold their part of the bargain – that is, to protect their subjects – the obligation of the subjects to obey the sovereign ceases to exist.

This concept of conditional allegiance reflects Hobbes's pragmatic view of political authority. He rejected the idea of divine right or absolute sovereignty, instead arguing that the legitimacy of the ruler rested on their ability to maintain order and protect the populace. In essence, the power of the sovereign derives from the consent and trust of the people, and it is tied to the fulfillment of their protective role.

Hobbes's theory of the social contract and the conditional nature of political obligation has had a profound impact on political thought and continues to be relevant in contemporary discussions of the relationship between government and citizens. The quote serves as a reminder that the exercise of political power is not absolute and that it is subject to the expectations and demands of the governed.

In conclusion, Thomas Hobbes's quote captures the essence of his political philosophy, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the relationship between the sovereign and the subjects. It underscores the conditional nature of the subjects' obligation to the ruler, which is contingent upon the sovereign's ability to protect and safeguard their well-being. This quote continues to be a thought-provoking and relevant concept in the study of political theory and the dynamics of power in society.