Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"自然の権利とは各人が自己の自然つまり自己の命を保持するために自身の力を自身の意志で使う自由のことである"

Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes Philosopher
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
This quote is all about survival and the freedom to do what we need to ensure we stay alive. It's saying that every person has the natural right to use their own abilities and resources to protect and preserve their own life.

Let's set the scene a bit: it comes from Thomas Hobbes, a philosopher who lived during a pretty chaotic time in the 17th century. There were wars, political upheaval, and a lot of uncertainty about safety and order. So, Hobbes was really focused on what people have to do when everything around them breaks down.

Think about a time when you've been in a sticky situation. Imagine you're hiking alone in the wilderness and you get lost. You've got to use your wits and whatever gear you have to find food, stay warm, and get back to safety. That's your natural right in action—you’re doing what you need to survive.

Now, let's dive into a practical example. Picture a community hit hard by a natural disaster—a hurricane, say. People are stranded, resources are scarce, and there's no immediate help. Everyone’s main concern is survival. In such a scenario, you might see neighbors sharing food, using personal skills to build shelters, or purifying water. No one’s waiting for permission; they’re just acting to protect their lives. That’s the essence of this idea.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your daily life? It starts with recognizing and respecting your own needs and capabilities. Trust your instincts when it comes to your well-being. This doesn’t mean acting recklessly, but rather being prepared and proactive. Learn basic survival skills, have a plan for emergencies, and take care of your health. You never know when you might need to rely on your own resources to get through a tough situation.

Now, let’s bring this to a more relatable scenario. Imagine you’re in your apartment, and there's a sudden power outage that lasts for days. The first night, it's all candles and flashlights—kind of fun, right? But soon, your fridge is warm, your phone’s dead, and you’re running out of food. This is when Hobbes’ idea kicks in. You might decide to use a camping stove to cook, collect rainwater, or even team up with neighbors to pool resources. You’re not waiting for the power company to fix things; you’re using your own ingenuity to get by.

It's not just about dramatic survival scenarios, though. Think of it in everyday terms too. Taking care of your mental health, standing up for yourself in stressful work situations, or making sure you’re financially secure—these are all ways of using your own power to preserve your life and well-being. It’s about being proactive and taking responsibility for your own safety and happiness.

So, next time you face a challenge, big or small, remember that it’s not just okay to use your own strengths and resources—it’s your natural right. Whether you're navigating a crisis or just dealing with a bad day, trust yourself to take the steps necessary to protect and preserve your own well-being.
Related tags
Human nature Individual liberty Moral philosophy Natural rights Personal freedom Philosophy Self-governance Self-preservation State of nature Thomas hobbes
MORE QUOTES BY Thomas Hobbes
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon