What was Thomas Hobbes' view on human nature?

Thomas Hobbes, a 17th-century philosopher, is best known for his work "Leviathan," where he presents a rather bleak view of human nature. He posits that in their natural state, without the confines of society or government, humans are driven by self-interest, fear, and a desire for self-preservation, leading to a "war of all against all." Hobbes believed that this inherent selfishness and tendency towards conflict made life in a state of nature solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.

To mitigate this chaos, Hobbes argued that a strong, centralized authority or government is necessary to impose order and discipline. This perspective underpins his assertion that humans are born with bad tendencies and require strict control to maintain peace and prevent anarchy. By establishing a social contract and granting power to a sovereign, people can escape the dangers of their uncivilized nature. Understanding Hobbes' view is crucial as it highlights foundational ideas about governance, authority, and human behavior that have influenced modern political philosophy.