llows us to potentially control them in order to build a safer and more secure commonwealth. Hobbes addresses this with six key points regarding the differences in man versus the rest of nature. First he states “men are continually in competition for honour and dignity” (225) while nature is not. His second point is that nature does not differentiate the common good with the private good, and since nature is inclined to the private, a hierarchy of mutual needs then allows them to work towards the common benefit. Man on the other hand does know the difference in the common and the private good, and is motivated by enlightened self-interest, finding joy by comparing himself with others. Third, Hobbes suggests that creatures of nature have “Not (as men) the use of reason, [and] do not see, nor think they see any fault, in the administration of their common businesse”. While with men, “There are very many who thinke themselves wiser, and abler to govern the publique, better than the rest” (226), thus bringing man to the natural state of war. The fourth point Hobbes makes of man and nature is a simple one. He says that even though creatures have some voice they are incapable of voicing their own desires and other affections, while man can represent to others, something good in the presence of the bad, and vis versa. This ability then diminishes the apparent greatness of work, “Discontenting men, and troubling their peace and their pleasure” (226). Hobbes’ fifth point states that “Irrational creatures cannot distinguish between Injury, and Damage” (226), therefore as long as they are at peace they are not offended by others around them. Man on the other hand is “Most troublesome when he is most at ease” (226), because then man finds most pleasurable to show off his wisdom, and attempt to take control from the governing power. Ultimately Hobbes says creatures of natu...
