The political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes has significantly shaped modern governance, particularly through his social contract theory articulated in "Leviathan." Hobbes argued for a strong, centralized authority to maintain order and prevent anarchy, advocating for the necessity of a sovereign power. His ideas about human nature—with individuals acting out of self-interest—highlighted the importance of governance structures to ensure security and stability. Hobbes's thoughts laid foundational concepts for modern political philosophy, influencing later theorists and contributing to the development of ideas about democracy, authority, and state power.