"I put for the general inclination of all mankind, a perpetual and restless desire of power after power, that ceaseth only in death"
- Thomas Hobbes
About this Quote
This quote by Thomas Hobbes speaks to the human condition and our inherent desire for power. He suggests that all individuals have a natural disposition to look for power, and that this desire never ceases up until death. This idea is rooted in Hobbes' belief that people are naturally self-centered and competitive, which our desire for power is a reflection of this. He likewise recommends that this desire for power is a driving force in our lives, which it can lead to both favorable and unfavorable results. For example, it can lead to aspiration and success, however it can also cause greed and corruption. Eventually, Hobbes' quote works as a suggestion that our desire for power is a fundamental part of our nature, which it must be managed and directed in a responsible way.