Leviathan

The concept of the social contract, where citizens relinquish some autonomy to the state for collective peace and order, was largely unrecognized until Thomas Hobbes' seminal work, *Leviathan*. This philosophical treatise explores the foundations of political authority and the necessity of a strong central authority to prevent chaos, fundamentally shaping modern political thought. Hobbes’ insights into human nature and governance continue to influence discussions on the relationship between individuals and the state.