The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 03 (of 11)

A strikingly bold work from the mid‑seventeenth century, this text sets out to untangle the uneasy balance between individual liberty and the authority of the state. Presented as a dedication to a trusted friend, the author argues that power must be examined not merely as a force imposed by rulers but as a structure that can protect both civil order and the common good. The tone is conversational yet rigorous, inviting listeners to follow a chain of reasoning that moves from the nature of human perception to the foundations of political stability.

The treatise is divided into two main sections. The first surveys the mechanics of the mind—senses, imagination, speech, reason, and the passions—concluding with a stark picture of humanity’s natural condition. The second builds on this, outlining the origins, rights, and varieties of commonwealths, the duties of sovereigns, and the roles of law, punishment, and civic virtue. Throughout, the work balances abstract theory with concrete examples, making it a compelling listen for anyone curious about the roots of modern political thought.