“ For the right men have by Nature to protect themselves, when none else can protect them, can by no Covenant be relinquished. ”
Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan (1651). copy citation
| Author | Thomas Hobbes |
|---|---|
| Source | Leviathan |
| Topic | right |
| Date | 1651 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/3207/3207-h/3207-h.htm |
Context
“In What Cases Subjects Absolved Of Their Obedience To Their Soveraign
The Obligation of Subjects to the Soveraign is understood to last as long, and no longer, than the power lasteth, by which he is able to protect them. For the right men have by Nature to protect themselves, when none else can protect them, can by no Covenant be relinquished. The Soveraignty is the Soule of the Common-wealth; which once departed from the Body, the members doe no more receive their motion from it. The end of Obedience is Protection; which, wheresoever a man seeth it, either in his own, or in anothers sword, Nature applyeth his obedience to it, and his endeavour to maintaine it.”
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