Understanding Human Nature, By Thomas Hobbes And Peter Kropotkin

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The concept of human nature has been theorized and debated repeatedly by philosophers throughout history; contrasting arguments regarding whether or not human beings are intrinsically competitive, or compassionate have been put forth by Thomas Hobbes and Peter Kropotkin. Understanding human nature is important in order to properly understand why human beings behave in the manner that they do, and whether or not all people instinctively are made to think similarly. Being equipped with this knowledge can allow for one to better understand events in history and different aspects of life, such as politics. Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher who gained most recognition through his social contract theory outlined in his novel Leviathan, published …show more content…

Kropotkin uses examples from nature in order to explain the dynamic between living beings, and how humans do not instinctively seek out competition. According to Kropotkin, the way in which nature works proves that at their core, living beings are not competitive; in fact, nature has made ways for beings to avoid competition altogether. Kropotkin proves this by stating, “When animals [can no longer grow their food]... they resort to new kinds of food - and thus avoid competition… This is what nature teaches us; and that is what all those animals which have attained the highest position in their respective classes has done”((Rosen & Wolff, 2012, p. 31). Kropotkin believed that human interactions mimicked that of the animals, and that competition “is not the rule in either the animal world or in mankind”(Rosen & Wolff, 2012, p. 30). According to the theory of mutual aid, people are most likely to move forward and thrive in all aspects of one's existence through combining forces with one another; those that are “unsociable”, however, are not as likely to progress. This theory is further exemplified in nature through natural selection, as this process makes it easier for living beings to avoid any kind of rivalry. Peace and and mutual support are the true rule of living beings, rather than competitiveness, says

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