re agree because it is their nature, while men agree by covenant and contract only, which is artificial, and takes constant striving to make the agreement constant and lasting. Based on these considerations, Hobbes reaches the point of greatest question, how to set up the commonwealth. Hobbes says, “The only way to erect such a common power, … is, to conferre all their power and strength upon one man, or upon one assembly of men, that may reduce all their wills, by plurality of voices, unto one will” (227). This is to say man should appoint one man, or an assembly of men, to act and speak for them all, in those matters concerning the common peace and safety. Every man shall submit their wills and judgements unto his will and his judgement, more than consent or concord. It would be a real unity of all men, focusing on one and the same man. Similar to every man saying “I authorise and give up my right of governing my selfe, to this man, or to this assembly of men, on the condition, that thou give up thy right to him, and authorise all his actions in like manner” (227). If this state of mutual consent can be achieved, you can then call it a commonwealth, or in more modern terms a civilization. Through reading the text of Leviathan, I began to understand Hobbes’ views of a commonwealth and how this creation we call “Man” must live within it. These insights have encouraged me to start taking greater note of politics, and while doing so, to keep in the back of my mind, Hobbes’ view that “He that is to govern a whole Nation, must read in himself, not this, or that particular man; but Man-kind” (83)....
