Are we living in a Hobbsian World?

         Are we living in a Hobbsian World?

I just watched a provocative conversation  advancing the idea that we are witnessing the emergence of what one of the speakers referred to as a Hobbsian World.

A Hobbesian world, derived from philosopher Thomas Hobbes, describes a "state of nature"—life without government—as a brutal, chaotic "war of all against all," where self-interest and fear lead to constant conflict, making life "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short". To escape this terrifying existence, people rationally agree to a social contract, surrendering some freedom to an absolute sovereign (government) in exchange for security, order, and peace, even if that ruler wields immense power. 

Key Characteristics of a Hobbesian World:

• State of Nature: A hypothetical condition before organized society, characterized by:
  • No Laws or Morality: No concept of justice or injustice, only survival.
  • Self-Interest & Fear:
     Humans are driven by competition, a need for safety, and desire for power, leading to perpetual conflict
    .
  Constant War: A pervasive state of anxiety and violence where individuals constantly fear attack.