The question presented by Hobbes and Dr. Laycock is "In light of the level of fear North Americans have about their personal security, we can now acknowledge Hobbes was right to insist that rational citizens would put the state's ability to minimize conflict and insecurity at the top of their political agenda." (Laycock, Essay Topics) The solution is to compare the arguments and juxtapose the views of Hobbe's and Locke on the particular question and conclude that the most logical argument is most likely the most logical solution. Using Hobbes' theories from The Leviathan and Locke's theories in the Second Treatise of Government to evaluate Hobbes' claim, the question posed by Hobbes will be answered by these two philosophers themselves.
Hobbes introduced a theory that humans have a restless appetite to achieve power. "Power. The power of a man, to take it universally, is his present means, to obtain some future apparent good; and is either original or instrumental." (Hobbes, Leviathan 72) His theory of power is divided into two kinds, natural and instrumental. Natural power originates from the abilities humans are given at birth, such as strength and intelligence. Instrumental power, are the abilities humans acquired as they progressed in life, such as wealth, friends and status. Gauges of power for an individual include honour, dignity and worthiness. These are all qualities used to quantify a person's place in society.
For many people, to gain power throughout the course of a person's life, it is a sign of advancement in life, either through individual talent or through other methods. Hobbes' view of human nature is that humans are always at war with each other to obtain what they do not have and will not stop until the day they die. The end justifies the means. He also writes: .
"A restless desire of power in al men. So that in the first place, I put for a general inclination of all mankind, a perpetual and restless desire for power after power, that ceaseth only in death.