The phrase “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short” is one of the most famous lines in political philosophy. Coined by Thomas Hobbes in his 1651 book Leviathan, it describes the harsh conditions of human life in a state of nature-before the formation of society and government.
This topic explores the meaning of the phrase, its philosophical context, and proper citation methods for academic and research purposes.
The Origin of the Phrase
Who Was Thomas Hobbes?
Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) was an English philosopher known for his work in political theory and social contract philosophy. He lived during the English Civil War, a period of political instability and violence that heavily influenced his views on human nature and governance.
Hobbes argued that, without a strong government, human life would be chaotic and filled with conflict. His famous phrase comes from Leviathan, where he describes life in the state of nature-a world without laws or authority.
Full Citation of the Phrase in Leviathan
The phrase appears in Chapter XIII of Leviathan, titled "Of the Natural Condition of Mankind". The full quote reads:
"In such condition, there is no place for industry, because the fruit thereof is uncertain: and consequently no culture of the earth; no navigation, nor use of the commodities that may be imported by sea; no commodious building; no instruments of moving and removing such things as require much force; no knowledge of the face of the earth; no account of time; no arts; no letters; no society; and which is worst of all, continual fear, and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short."
Proper Citation Formats
When citing this passage in different academic styles, the format varies slightly:
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APA (7th Edition):
Hobbes, T. (1651). Leviathan (C. B. Macpherson, Ed.). Penguin Classics. -
MLA (9th Edition):
Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan. Edited by C. B. Macpherson, Penguin Classics, 1651. -
Chicago Style:
Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan. Edited by C. B. Macpherson. Penguin Classics, 1651.
If citing the specific phrase, you should include the chapter number (Chapter XIII) and, if available, the page number based on the edition you are using.
The Meaning Behind the Phrase
1. What Is the "State of Nature"?
Hobbes describes the state of nature as a hypothetical world where:
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There is no government, no laws, and no justice.
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People act purely in self-interest.
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Life is filled with fear and violence.
In this condition, human beings are constantly in competition, leading to a war of "all against all." Without rules or order, trust and cooperation are impossible.
2. Breakdown of the Key Words
Each word in the phrase emphasizes the negative aspects of this lawless existence:
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Solitary – People would live alone, afraid to trust others.
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Poor – Without cooperation, economic and social progress is impossible.
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Nasty – Life would be cruel, with constant betrayals and violence.
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Brutish – Physical power would determine survival, leading to a harsh existence.
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Short – Without stability or medicine, life expectancy would be low.
3. The Social Contract as a Solution
To escape this miserable condition, Hobbes proposes the social contract, where:
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People give up some personal freedoms in exchange for security.
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A strong central authority (the Leviathan) enforces laws and maintains order.
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Society functions smoothly, with justice and cooperation.
This idea remains influential in modern political thought and justifies the existence of governments and legal systems.
Relevance of Hobbes’ Phrase in Modern Society
1. Political Instability and Failed States
Even today, some regions resemble Hobbes’ state of nature:
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War zones and failed states (e.g., Somalia, Syria) lack strong government control.
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Crime-ridden areas with no law enforcement often experience constant violence.
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Political breakdowns can lead to chaos and suffering.
These examples support Hobbes’ argument that without order, society collapses into conflict.
2. The Debate Between Freedom and Security
Hobbes’ philosophy raises an important question: How much freedom should people sacrifice for safety?
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Too much government control leads to tyranny.
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Too little government control leads to anarchy.
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A balance is necessary to maintain stability without oppression.
Modern democratic societies attempt to strike this balance through laws, elections, and limited government power.
3. Hobbes and Modern Political Thought
Hobbes’ ideas influenced later philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who developed their own versions of the social contract. While they emphasized individual rights more than Hobbes, they agreed that some form of government is necessary to avoid chaos.
How to Use and Cite Hobbes’ Phrase in Writing
1. Academic Essays and Research Papers
When discussing political philosophy, social contract theory, or human nature, citing Hobbes is essential. Examples include:
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Essays on the necessity of government.
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Research on political stability and law enforcement.
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Comparisons between Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.
Always provide proper citations when quoting Leviathan to maintain credibility.
2. Legal and Political Discussions
Lawmakers and political analysts often reference Hobbes when debating:
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The role of government in public safety.
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Civil rights vs. national security.
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The dangers of lawlessness and anarchy.
Hobbes’ phrase remains relevant in modern political debates.
3. Literature and Popular Culture
The idea that life is "nasty, brutish, and short" appears in:
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Dystopian fiction, such as 1984 and The Hunger Games.
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Movies and TV shows, where societies collapse into violence.
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Philosophical discussions on morality, power, and survival.
Hobbes’ ideas continue to shape storytelling and cultural narratives.
The Enduring Power of Hobbes’ Words
The phrase “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short” remains a powerful description of what happens when society loses structure and order. Hobbes’ vision of human nature-while debated-continues to influence political theory, law, and governance.
For scholars, researchers, and writers, properly citing Leviathan ensures accuracy and credibility when discussing Hobbes’ insights. Whether in academia, politics, or philosophy, the importance of government in maintaining social stability is a debate that continues to shape the world.