Leviathan

Leviathan

By Thomas Hobbes
Michael Caine
Listen with Sir Michael Caine™ and 1,000+ voices
Length21h 59m

About this audiobook

In his seminal work *Leviathan*, Thomas Hobbes presents a compelling examination of human nature and the necessity of social contract theory in establishing a governing authority. Written during the turbulence of the English Civil War, Hobbes employs a precise and systematic style, intricately weaving together philosophy, political theory, and moral reasoning. The book starkly contrasts the state of nature—characterized by chaos and a 'war of all against all'—with the order and security provided by a powerful sovereign, which Hobbes famously likens to a 'Leviathan,' a metaphor for absolute authority that holds society together in a fragile peace. Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) stands as a prominent figure in political philosophy, with *Leviathan* reflecting his belief in the necessity of a strong centralized power. His experiences during the civil strife of his time, coupled with his education and interactions in the court of Charles I, deeply influenced his thoughts on human behavior and governance. Hobbes' pessimistic view of humanity as naturally self-interested and conflict-prone propels his argument for absolute sovereignty, setting the groundwork for modern political theory. *Leviathan* remains an essential read for anyone interested in the roots of political thought and the dynamics of human society. It challenges readers to ponder the balance between freedom and security, making it not only relevant in the context of its time but also a critical text for understanding contemporary political discourse. Hobbes' incisive insights invite thoughtful reflection, ensuring its standing as a cornerstone of philosophical inquiry.

Audiobook details

GenrePolitics and Government
Length21 hrs 59 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 23, 2023
LanguageEnglish

Table of contents

1Introduction
27Chapter XXV: Of Counsel
2Introduction
28Chapter XXVI: Of Civil Laws
3Chapter I: Of Sense
29Chapter XXVII: Of Crimes, Excuses, and Extenuations
4Chapter II: Of Imagination
30Chapter XXVIII: Of Punishments and Rewards
5Chapter III: Of the Consequence or Train of Imaginations
31Chapter XXIX: Of Those Things that Weaken or Tend to the Dissolution of a Commonwealth
Show all chapters
6Chapter IV: Of Speech
32Chapter XXX: Of the Office of the Sovereign Representative
7Chapter V: Of Reason and Science
33Chapter XXXI: Of the Kingdom of God by Nature
8Chapter VI: Of the Interior Beginnings of Voluntary Motions, Commonly Called the Passions; and the Speeches by which They are Expressed
34Chapter XXXII: Of the Principles of Christian Politics
9Chapter VII: Of the Ends or Resolutions of Discourse
35Chapter XXXIII: Of the Number, Antiquity, Scope, Authority, and Interpreters of The Books of Holy Scripture
10Chapter VIII: Of the Virtues Commonly Called Intellectual; and Their Contrary Defects
36Chapter XXXIV: Of the Signification of Spirit, Angel, and Inspiration in the Books of Holy Scripture
11Chapter IX: Of the Several Subject of Knowledge
37Chapter XXXV: Of the Signification in Scripture of Kingdom of God, of Holy, Sacred, and Sacrament
12Chapter X: Of Power, Worth, Dignity, Honour and Worthiness
38Chapter XXXVI: Of the Word of God, and of Prophets
13Chapter XI: Of the Difference of Manners
39Chapter XXXVII: Of Miracles and Their Use
14Chapter XII: Of Religion
40Chapter XXXVIII: Of the Signification in Scripture of Eternal Life, Hell, Salvation, the World to Come, and Redemption
15Chapter XIII: Of the Natural Condition of Mankind as Concerning Their Felicity and Misery
41Chapter XXXIX: Of the Signification in Scripture of the Word Church
16Chapter XIV: Of the First and Second Natural Laws, and of Contracts
42Chapter XL: Of the Rights of the Kingdom of God, in Abraham, Moses, the High Priests, and the Kings of Judah
17Chapter XV: Of Other Laws of Nature
43Chapter XLI: Of the Office of Our Blessed Saviour
18Chapter XVI: Of Persons, Authors, and Things Personated
44Chapter XLII: Of Power Ecclesiastical (pt. 1)
19Chapter XVII: Of the Causes, Generation, and Definition of a Commonwealth
45Chapter XLII: Of Power Ecclesiastical (pt. 2)
20Chapter XVIII: Of the Rights of Sovereigns by Institution
46Chapter XLIII: Of what is Necessary for a Man's Reception into the Kingdom of Heaven
21Chapter XIX: Of the Several Kinds of Commonwealth by Institution, and of Succession to the Sovereign Power
47Chapter XLIV: Of Spiritual Darkness from Misinterpretation of Scripture
22Chapter XX: Of Dominion Paternal and Despotical
48Chapter XLV: Of Demonology and Other Relics of the Religion of the Gentiles
23Chapter XXI: Of the Liberty of Subjects
49Chapter XLVI: Of Darkness from Vain Philosophy and Fabulous Traditions
24Chapter XXII: Of Systems Subject Political and Private
50Chapter XLVII: Of the Benefit that Proceedeth from Such Darkness, and to Whom It Accrueth
25Chapter XXIII: Of the Public Ministers of Sovereign Power
51A Review and Conclusion
26Chapter XXIV: Of the Nutrition and Procreation of a Commonwealth

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