"臣民对君主的义务被理解为只要并仅在君主有能力保护他们的情况下持续。"

Alright, let’s dive into this. The essence of the quote is that people (subjects) owe their loyalty and obedience to their leader (sovereign) only as long as the leader has the power to protect them. Once the leader can no longer ensure their safety, the people are no longer bound to follow them.

This quote is from Thomas Hobbes, a 17th-century philosopher, who lived during a tumultuous period in England’s history. The English Civil War saw various factions vying for control, and Hobbes’ experiences during this time heavily influenced his thinking. He was concerned with the chaos and violence that emerged when there was no strong central authority. His works, particularly "Leviathan," argued that a powerful sovereign was necessary to maintain peace and prevent society from descending into anarchy.

Now, let’s put this idea into a real-world context. Think about the Arab Spring that began in 2010. In several countries across the Middle East and North Africa, long-standing leaders who had been in power for decades were overthrown. Why? Because they could no longer provide the security and stability that people expected. In Tunisia, for example, the regime of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali collapsed after 23 years in power because of widespread protests fueled by frustration with corruption, lack of political freedom, and economic hardship. People felt unprotected and abandoned, and thus, they withdrew their loyalty.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life or when working with others? Here’s a thought: whether you’re a leader in a company, a parent, or even a friend, your influence and the loyalty of those around you are contingent on your ability to support and protect them. If you’re a manager, you need to create a stable and safe working environment. Your team needs to know you have their backs. If they start feeling insecure – whether it’s job security, emotional support, or professional growth – they might start looking elsewhere. And this doesn’t just apply to formal leadership roles; it works in personal relationships too. Show up for your friends and family. Be there when things get tough and provide that sense of protection and reliability.

Imagine you’re working in a startup. Your CEO is charismatic and has a clear vision. But then, things go south. The company starts missing targets, and the CEO becomes reclusive, no longer addressing the team’s concerns. The protective bubble bursts, and the team starts feeling vulnerable. People start leaving because the leader’s power to provide stability is gone. That’s Hobbes’ idea in action.

Think about your own life. If you’re leading a project, be proactive in addressing risks and concerns. Keep your team informed and involved. Transparency and consistent support can go a long way. Similarly, in friendships, being the person who can be relied upon during difficult times strengthens the bond. It’s not about being perfect or always having the answer, but about being present and supportive.

In a nutshell, remember that loyalty isn’t just given – it’s earned and maintained through the ability to provide security and support. When that’s gone, the relationship dynamics shift. So, keep that protective bubble strong, and you’ll foster deeper, more resilient connections in all areas of your life.