The political beliefs of individuals are the result of their own life experiences and interpretations of the world around them. It is no surprise, then, that two of the most influential political philosophers, Thomas Hobbes and John Locke, developed two distinct ways of understanding the nature of humanity and the need for government. By examining their theories of human nature, their views on government, and a modern political situation, we can better understand the Hobbesian and Lockeian philosophies and how they impact our own political beliefs

Thomas Hobbes was a 17th century philosopher who is widely renowned for his works on human nature and its impact on political beliefs. In his book, Hobbes argued that human beings are primarily driven by self-interest, and that any form of government is better than the state of nature (Hobbes, 1999). This idea of self-interest has been a major point of discussion for centuries, as it has been used to explain the formation of various political systems and ideologies. Hobbes believed that people have a natural inclination to seek power and control, and that this need for power is the primary source of conflict in society. This theory has had a profound effect on political thought, as it has been used to explain why certain political systems have been more successful than others. Furthermore, Hobbes’ theory has been used to explain the rise of modern democratic governments, as it suggests that the people are driven by self-interest, and that governments should be structured in a way that allows the people to express their opinions and influence the decision-making process. Overall, Hobbes’ theory of human nature and its impact on political beliefs has had a major influence on modern political systems, and has provided us with an important perspective on how we should structure our governments.

John Locke’s philosophy of government is often cited as an influence on Thomas Hobbes’ own. Locke’s political and social philosophy is founded upon the idea that people are naturally equal and that they form a social contract in order to create a government, which is based on the consent of the governed. According to Locke, people must create a government in order to protect their natural rights, such as the right to life and liberty. He believed that a government should be limited in its power, and that it should serve the interests of the people it governs. In this way, Locke’s philosophy of government is very different from Hobbes’. Hobbes believed that a powerful government should be created in order to maintain order and security, and that the people should be subject to the absolute authority of this government. Whereas Locke argued for a government based on the consent of the people, Hobbes argued for a government that could not be challenged. However, both Locke and Hobbes believed that government should be used to guarantee the safety and security of the people. Therefore, while they had different views on the nature of government, they both understood the importance of creating a government in order to protect the rights of the people. (M Dumitrescu, 2020).

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, consumed by millions of people each day. But, what is the impact of coffee on our health? A Cano-Marquina et al. (2013) conducted an extensive review of the scientific literature to answer this very question. They concluded that coffee consumption can have both positive and negative effects on health. Studies have found that drinking coffee may reduce the risk of certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and liver cancer. It may also improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of depression. However, there are also some potential negative effects associated with coffee consumption. These include an increased risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer, as well as digestive problems and insomnia. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits when deciding how much coffee to drink.

Overall, it is evident that humans are influenced by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke’s political views to this day. My own political beliefs tend to lean towards those of John Locke. I am of the belief that governments should secure the right of life, liberty, and property and protect the rights of individuals within their society, which is something I see Locke’s philosophy advocating. One specific example of a modern situation that is influenced by Locke’s values is the issue of gun control. From a Lockean perspective, it is important for governments to protect individual’s right to gun ownership and to establish laws to ensure that those owned firearms are used responsibly and safely. As such, I would ultimately agree with the idea of tighter government regulations on things like gun residency processes, mental health screenings for purchases, and restricting weapons that are designed for military use, as a means of upholding the safety of its citizens.