Understanding the role of the fear of death in Thomas Hobbes’s philosophy is essential for those seeking to develop their own philosophy of life. While this concept is widely acknowledged, its importance within Hobbes’s ideas is often not fully grasped. Gaining a clearer understanding of this notion can profoundly influence how we approach our personal beliefs and philosophies. This article examines Thomas Hobbes’s philosophy, the concept of fear of death, and how these ideas can inform the development of a philosophy of life.
Key features of Thomas Hobbes’s philosophy
Thomas Hobbes was a 17th-century philosopher best known for his ideas about human nature and government. His most influential work, Leviathan, outlines his belief that humans are naturally self-interested and driven by a desire for power and survival. Hobbes argued that without an organized society, life would be chaotic and harsh—a state he described as “nasty, brutish, and short.” To avoid this, he believed people should collectively agree to form a government through a social contract, surrendering some freedoms in exchange for safety and order.
Hobbes strongly supported the idea of a powerful, centralized authority, which he thought was necessary to maintain peace and prevent conflict. This government, or “Leviathan,” could take the form of a monarchy or another absolute ruling body, as long as it had the authority to enforce laws and ensure stability. Unlike some of his contemporaries, Hobbes did not believe in the divine right of kings but instead grounded his ideas in human nature and reason.
Overall, Hobbes emphasized that government exists to protect people from their own worst impulses and to provide structure to society. His ideas laid the foundation for modern political philosophy and continue to influence discussions about individual rights, authority, and the role of the state.
What is fear of death?
Thomas Hobbes believed that the fear of death played a central role in shaping human behaviour and society. According to Hobbes, fear of death is a natural and powerful emotion that influences people to seek safety and security. He argued that humans, driven by this fear, strive to avoid violent conflict and uncertain outcomes that could threaten their lives. This fear of death is one of the key reasons why individuals agree to form governments and abide by laws, as it provides a structured way to protect themselves from harm.
Hobbes also explained this idea in relation to the “state of nature,” a hypothetical condition where there is no authority or rules. He described life in the state of nature as filled with constant danger, leading to a “war of all against all.” To escape this condition, people willingly give up some of their freedoms to a government or ruler in exchange for peace and protection. At the heart of this decision is the fear of violent death, which Hobbes saw as a strong motivation for creating a stable and organized society.
Overall, Hobbes viewed fear of death as a driving force that compels humans to seek safety through cooperation and governance, ensuring the survival and stability of society.
This example helps to demonstrate this philosophical perspective. Consider a scenario described by Thomas Hobbes, where people find themselves in a state of nature with no laws or government to protect them. Imagine individuals living in constant insecurity, facing the threat of violence or harm from others at any moment. Hobbes believed that in such a state, the fear of death looms large and influences people’s actions and decisions. This fear drives individuals to seek safety and stability, realizing that cooperation and surrendering some freedoms to a governing authority can provide protection. The fear of a violent death compels people to prioritize survival above all else, shaping their choices and behaviour. Through this hypothetical example, Hobbes underscored the role of fear in motivating individuals to establish a social contract and adopt rules that ensure peace and security for the benefit of all.
Challenges to Thomas Hobbes’s view about fear of death
Some philosophers reject Thomas Hobbes’s ideas about the role fear of death plays in human behaviour and society because they believe human motivations are far more complex. While Hobbes emphasized fear of death as a fundamental motivating force, critics argue this oversimplifies human nature. They suggest that people are driven by a wide range of emotions, ideals, and desires beyond just fear. For example, many philosophers point to the pursuit of happiness, love, community, or higher ethical principles as equally strong motivators in human decisions and actions.
Another objection to Hobbes’s view comes from those who believe that fear of death is not as universally dominant as he claimed. These critics point out that some individuals willingly face death in situations where they prioritize other values, such as protecting loved ones, upholding justice, or defending their beliefs. Acts of courage, martyrdom, and self-sacrifice demonstrate that humans are capable of putting aside fear of death when they believe a cause is worth it. This contradicts the idea that fear of death consistently governs human behaviour.
Philosophers have also raised concerns about how Hobbes’s focus on fear could lead to a negative and overly cynical interpretation of human nature. They argue that seeing fear as central to human life risks ignoring more positive aspects of humanity, such as creativity, compassion, and the capacity for altruism. By overly emphasizing fear, Hobbes’s perspective may fail to fully capture the richness and diversity of human experiences and motivations.
Lastly, some thinkers reject Hobbes’s ideas because they believe fear of death is not a universal experience at all. Depending on cultural, religious, or personal beliefs, individuals interpret and respond to the concept of death very differently. For instance, people who hold strong spiritual beliefs about an afterlife may feel less fear of death than others, relying instead on hope or acceptance. These varied perspectives suggest that fear of death cannot always be treated as a universal, dominant force in human life, as Hobbes proposed.
Why fear of death is important to Thomas Hobbes’s philosophy
These are some of the main reasons why grasping the concept of fear of death is essential to understanding Thomas Hobbes’s philosophy.
- Fear of Death as a Motivation for Social Order
One reason the idea of fear of death is important in understanding Thomas Hobbes’s philosophy is that it highlights the natural human desire for self-preservation. This instinct leads individuals to seek environments where their lives are less at risk, fostering the need for organized social systems. Fear of death drives people to recognize the dangers of chaos and violence in a lawless state. By understanding the role of fear, it becomes easier to see why humans might choose to give up certain freedoms in exchange for protection and stability. This recognition of vulnerability helps explain why people are willing to form and adhere to systems that enforce rules, prioritize safety, and maintain peace.
- Fear of Death Encouraging Cooperation Among Individuals
Another reason is that fear of death illustrates a fundamental aspect of human nature—the necessity for cooperation. Without collaboration, individuals face constant threats from others, as there is no assurance of safety in a purely individualistic setting. Fear compels people to work together to establish laws and agreements that promote mutual survival. This shared sense of vulnerability encourages trust and the creation of systems where individuals rely on one another to safeguard their lives. Highlighting fear of death emphasizes humanity’s capacity to come together despite differences in the interest of creating conditions where everyone feels more secure.
- Fear of Death as a Basis for Authority
A third reason is that fear of death underlines the need for authority figures to maintain order and protect individuals from harm. The fear of a violent death, in particular, creates a strong incentive to accept leadership or governance that enforces laws. People become willing to submit to an authority they perceive as capable of ensuring their survival. Understanding the role of fear helps to clarify why authority is seen as essential to preventing disorder. It also sheds light on how humans are motivated to exchange some autonomy for the benefits of protection and a more stable existence.
Contrasting Thomas Hobbes’s philosophy with Epicurus’s philosophy
Thomas Hobbes and Epicurus both addressed the fear of death in their philosophies, but they approached it from very different perspectives. For Epicurus, the fear of death was unnecessary and irrational. He believed that death should not be feared because it is simply the end of sensation. According to Epicurus, as long as we are alive, death is not present, and when death comes, we are no longer aware of it. This means there is no reason to worry about death, as it is not something we experience. His focus was on achieving a peaceful and pleasurable life by removing the fear of death and the unknown.
Hobbes, on the other hand, saw the fear of death as a critical factor shaping human behaviour and society. While Epicurus tried to eliminate the fear of death for individual peace, Hobbes recognized it as a powerful motivator that influenced the way people interact and create social structures. For Hobbes, the fear of violent death was one of the reasons humans sought to leave the “state of nature” and form governments to ensure security and order.
The core difference lies in their treatment of fear. Epicurus aimed to minimize it to bring tranquillity to the individual, while Hobbes saw it as an unavoidable and even useful emotion for organizing societal systems. This divergence highlights how each thinker’s philosophy centres on different fundamental views of human nature and existence.
Fear Of Death, Thomas Hobbes’s philosophy and the meaning of life
Reflecting on Thomas Hobbes’s perspective on the fear of death can serve as a valuable tool when striving to live a more meaningful life, regardless of whether you agree with his outlook. Contemplation of such ideas encourages deeper thoughts about life’s priorities and how we choose to use our time. Understanding fear, in general, pushes us to examine our values and the decisions we make. It forces us to confront what we truly care about and to question whether our daily actions align with those values. This process can be uncomfortable but is essential in creating a life that feels purposeful and aligned with what genuinely matters to us.
Beyond just fear, reflecting on Hobbes’s ideas reminds us how much of our behavior is influenced by external pressures and internal insecurities. Whether it’s the fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown, these feelings can govern the way we live. Taking the time to critically evaluate such fears gives us the opportunity to identify and challenge the limitations we place on ourselves. This reflection can be a step towards bravery — not an absence of fear but an attempt to live with courage and commitment despite it.
Hobbes’s philosophy also highlights the need to view life through a broader lens. It underscores how interconnected our fears, decisions, and societal structures are, and this understanding can inspire us to make choices that lead to a more compassionate and intentional existence. By confronting our fears — particularly those concerning uncertainty and mortality — we become better equipped to focus on what we can control, like how we treat ourselves, others, and the environment around us. This can naturally lead to cultivating stronger relationships, pursuing meaningful goals, and living in a way that feels authentic.
Ultimately, exploring these ideas helps foster a sense of mindfulness and presence. We are reminded of life’s fragility, which can motivate us to savour moments and lead lives driven by purpose rather than fear. Reflection on perspectives like Hobbes’s doesn’t require agreement; instead, it invites us to engage with the complexity of being human and opens the door to personal growth. It reminds us that making peace with fear and uncertainty is central to crafting a life well-lived.
Further reading
Baumgold, D. (1988). Hobbes’s political theory. Cambridge University Press.
Hobbes, T. (1996). Leviathan (R. Tuck, Ed.). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1651)
Lloyd, S. A. (2009). Morality in the philosophy of Thomas Hobbes: Cases in the law of nature. Cambridge University Press.
Malcolm, N. (2002). Aspects of Hobbes. Oxford University Press.
Martinich, A. P. (2005). Hobbes. Routledge.
Sorell, T. (1986). Hobbes. Routledge.
Springborg, P. (2007). The Cambridge companion to Hobbes’s Leviathan. Cambridge University Press.
Tuck, R. (1989). Hobbes. Oxford University Press.