Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau strongly differ on their view of the purpose of the state. Hobbes sees the state as a positive institution that creates order and sows peace. Rousseau sees the state as an institution of chains, that renders it’s citizens salves to the will of the majority. Before reaching these conclusions they argue on the base nature of man. Hobbes argues that self preservation is the base of human nature whereas Rousseau argues it is property. Hobbes and Rousseau both agree how significantly society changed from the state of nature, and that implication that change had on the governments that followed. These arguments are important to note for the later implication on the purpose of the state, and how that purpose
