Thomas Hobbes!

The principle of war, quarrel has been existing since ages. Looking at the wars that happened since the age of the Israelites, the revolutions in Europe, even today in Africa and the Middle East, we are curious about what are the causes of may be?

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), an important English philosopher and political theorist. In his most important work, Leviathan, written in 1651 realised that all these quarrels have the same causes in common. Thus he concluded: “So that in the nature of man, we find three principal causes of quarrel. First, Competition; Secondly, Diffidence; Thirdly, Glory”

First of all, Competition derives from the latin word “competition” which means a contest for something, rivalry, conflict or fighting. In competitions, we have two or more entities striving or fighting for one thing.

Secondly, the word Diffidence also called Shyness is the feeling of apprehension, lack of comfort, or awkwardness especially when a person is in proximity to other people. This commonly occurs in new situations or with unfamiliar people.

Thirdly, Glory a great beauty or splendour, honour, admiration, or distinction, accorded by common consent to a person or thing; high reputation; renown. Man likes to be praised and honored because of his ego, his pride, to show his power.

We can conclude and say that Thomas Hobbes is right in saying that competition, diffidence and glory are the principal causes of quarrel because if every man is led by these three conditions or state of soul, self-control is compromised thus man would go against man.