Thomas Hobbes Leviathan

The belief that all people will ultimately place their needs above someone else’s was advanced by Thomas Hobbes in his book Leviathan. Hobbes is regarded as one of the first modern political philosophers. In 1651, he wrote Leviathan, which included the theory of social constructs and influenced political philosophy in the West. Hobbes believed that in the state of nature, a state of life without societal rules and institutions, life would be unbearable and violence and fear would ensue. According to Leviathan, one of four predicted characteristics of life in the state of nature is limited altruism. Limited altruism, the principle that all people would choose to save themselves over anyone else, is illustrated by cruel and selfish actions

While Roger unleashes his malice, under the same circumstances, Sam and Eric develop a lack of goodness not seen to be present before. At the onset of the novel, Sam and Eric are loyal to Ralph; they stay with him when the others leave for Jack's hunting tribe. They help watch over the fires, tending them by gathering and delivering wood. At first, they are moral throughout the novel and are self aware of any savage actions. After being involved in Simon’s murder, they are distraught and try to forget about their actions. They try to convince themselves that “ [they] were very tired… so [they] left early” (Golding 158). Although they did participate in the dance, they are regretful of their vicious behavior, displaying they are aware that the actions they commited were heinous. However, this inner goodness will be compromised when they are captured by Jack’s tribe and are forced to serve them. After they are captured, the boys remain allies with Ralph. They notify him about the imminent hunt that will pursue him and provide him with food. Trusting them, Ralph revealed where he would hide so they could help him survive by leading the savages away. Despite their loyalty, when faced with the decision of being punished or exposing Ralph’s location, the twins choose to sacrifice Ralph and save themselves. Roger and Jack ask the twins if they are “... ‘sure [Ralph] mean[s] in there?’ [then] the twin moan[s] faintly and then squeal[s] again. ‘He mean[s] he’[ll] hide in there? Yes- yes-oh!’” (Golding 192). Akin to Hobbes’s description of the state of nature, Golding’s island lacks societal rules. Sam and Eric develop limited altruism identically to Hobbes’s theory. The boys both put their integral needs ahead of Ralph’s equally important needs. Although the boys are devoted to Ralph, when their safety comes in conflict with Ralph’s