Thomas Hobbes’ philosophies were profoundly influenced by the challenges of his time, including the English Civil War, which shaped his views on human nature and governance. His experiences with political instability led him to advocate for a strong, centralized authority, exemplified in his work Leviathan. Hobbes viewed humans as fundamentally self-interested, necessitating a powerful sovereign to prevent chaos and violence. This conviction framed his social contract theory, emphasizing the need for absolute authority to maintain peace and order. Such thoughts reflect broader themes of conflict, morality, and the nature of human relationships during turbulent historical periods.