Page:The ethics of Hobbes (IA ethicsofhobbes00hobb).pdf/35
however, it is necessary to note here. The first or fundamental law of nature is "to seek peace, and follow it." But joined to this law as the second part of a general rule of reason is what is called "the sum of the right of nature," which may be designated as the imperative of self-preservation, which Hobbes expresses in these words: "by all means we can, to defend ourselves."[1] The right of nature which every one possesses in a state of nature is the right to use every means at one's command to preserve one's life – even another man's body. In short, in a state of nature every one has a right to everything. "And because the condition of man ... is a condition of war of every one against every one; in which case every one is governed by his own reason; and there is nothing he can make use of that may not be a help unto him, in preserving his life against his enemies; it followeth, that in such a condition, every man has a right to everything; even to one another's body."[2] This right of nature is still more baldly stated elsewhere: "Every man by nature hath right to all things, that is to say, to do whatsoever he listeth to whom he listeth, to possess, use, and enjoy all things he will and can."[3] Now, of course, the outcome of every man's possessing a right to everything is a state of insecurity, and, as man desires life and "the means of so preserving life as not to be weary of it," it becomes a principle, or "general rule of reason," "that every man, ought to endeavour peace as far as he has hope of attaining it; and when he cannot obtain it, that he may seek, and use, all helps and advantages of war."[4] In the preceding explanation of the fundamental law of nature, one cannot fail to note the egoistic motive underlying it, – the self-preservation of the individual and the enjoyment of life.