Both Locke and Hobbes used the concept of equality of men in a state of nature as a focal point for their theories of the formation of the government
Both Locke and Hobbes used the concept of equality of men in a state of nature as a focal point for their theories of the formation of the government, but Locke and Hobbs had different ideas on how the government should be constituted among humans.
Hobbes believed human’s equality was based on physical and mental capabilities, and that we all have a natural right to defend our lives. It was agreeable to attack the innocent if this will help us to secure the means for survival. He believed that in the absence of a powerful absolute ruler, we would all kill each other because the state of nature was war of all against all. If we had an absolute ruler that was bigger than anyone else, then we will behave better. Thus, we won’t destroy each other.
Locke believes no one has a natural right to rule others, the law of nature demands from us to treat each other well. In the state of nature, it would be very hard to defend our rights without rules, and anyone could come and take our property if they wished. Locke argues that it is the government’s job to protect this right through the social contract. If the Government fails to protect their citizens, then the citizens have the right to a revolution and overthrow the government, and go back to their original state of nature.
Locke’s idea of equality is very different from Hobbes. Locke wants to give the power to the people, with this I agree. He wants democracy, where we all have the same rights, we all must follow the same rules, we have the right to defend our lives, freedom, and property. Hobbes wants to give all the power to the Government, where the One Will we must all follow, respect, and obey whether we agree with the One Will or not, if we were to follow Hobbes, then we wouldn’t be equal. I think in Venezuela and Mexico to name a few countries; those countries are suffering tremendously because of an abusive government. The citizens do not have the right to complain or protest, if they do, they could face torture, and possible death. They do not have the right to bear arms either. I believe this form of government uses different strategies to control their people, leaving them frustrated, angry, and defenseless, reason why government should never have all the power or control.
