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Thomas Hobbes

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Format: Interactive (Online), Printable (PDF)
Grades: 5678
Subjects: readinghistoryela
Languages: English, Spanish

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Reading passage

Reading comprehension

Audio narration

With word word highlighting

Comprehension quiz

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Writing activity

Open-ended response

Glossary & flashcards

Vocabulary practice

Differentiated version

Adapted for varied levels

Spanish translation

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About this reader

This engaging world history passage explores the influential philosophy of Thomas Hobbes, focusing on his major work Leviathan, and the development of the social contract theory during the Renaissance. Students will learn about the historical context of 17th-century England, Hobbes' views on human nature, key vocabulary such as 'sovereignty' and 'absolute', and how his ideas changed the course of political thought. The passage discusses primary sources, cause-and-effect relationships, and connections to later Enlightenment thinkers. Included are a glossary, multiple-choice quiz, writing activities, graphic organizers, and a Spanish translation. This resource aligns with CA HSS 7.9 and CCSS RI.6.3 standards, and offers a read aloud audio option and Spanish translation for accessibility. Perfect for world history classrooms focusing on the Renaissance and the origins of modern government.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

Sample passage and quiz content

CONTENT PREVIEW

Thomas Hobbes (portrait) — "Thomas Hobbes" by John Michael Wright / Wikimedia Commons.

Thomas Hobbes was an English philosopher born in 1588, a time of great change during the Renaissance. He is famous for his ideas about government, power, and the nature of human beings. Hobbes wrote his most important book, Leviathan, in 1651, during a period of civil war in England. His work marked a turning point in the way people thought about political authority and the social contract.

Hobbes believed that humans are naturally self-interested and, without a strong government, life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." He argued that people are motivated by a desire for self-preservation and personal gain. In his view, humans left alone would compete for resources, leading to conflict and chaos. To avoid this, Hobbes proposed the idea of the social contract: people agree to give up some freedoms and obey a ruler in exchange for security and order. This ruler, or sovereign, holds absolute power to make laws and keep peace.

In Leviathan, Hobbes used the image of a giant made up of many people to represent the state. This symbolized how individuals come together to create a powerful government. He based his ideas on observations of the English Civil War (1642-1651), where the lack of a strong central authority led to violence and instability. Hobbes wrote, "during the time men live without a common power to keep them all in awe, they are in that condition which is called war." This primary source shows how his personal experience of war shaped his beliefs.

Hobbes' ideas about absolute power were controversial. Some agreed that a strong ruler could prevent disorder, while others feared tyranny. His theory influenced later philosophers such as John Locke, who believed in more limited government. Hobbes also inspired debates about rights, law, and the role of citizens. Despite criticism, his arguments laid the groundwork for modern political science and the study of government systems.

Thomas Hobbes’ work remains significant because it changed the way people think about authority, society, and human nature. By connecting political ideas to real-world events and human behavior, Hobbes helped create a new field of study that still affects us today.

Today, Hobbes' social contract theory is central to debates about democracy, freedom, and the power of the state. His work connects to the broader history of the Renaissance, when thinkers across Europe began to question tradition and seek rational explanations for society and government.

Interesting Fact: Hobbes’ Leviathan was one of the first books to argue that rulers got their power from the people, not from God or birthright.

When was Leviathan published?

1651158816421700

What event influenced Hobbes' ideas?

English Civil WarFrench RevolutionIndustrial RevolutionWorld War I

What is a social contract?

Agreement to form governmentA kind of battleA law about tradeA type of army

What did Hobbes believe about people?

They need strong rulesThey are always peacefulThey don't need governmentThey should be kings

Why did Hobbes think government was needed?

Prevent chaos and warStart more warsFind treasureWrite books

Who was influenced by Hobbes' ideas?