The eminent philosopher Thomas Hobbes introduces his interpretation of the state of nature as a place of misery where no law is present, therefore making the citizens ruthless. Man in his state of nature lives in constant fear of death. “The passions that include men to peace are: fear of death; desire of such things as are necessary to commodious living; and hope by their industry to obtain them” (Hobbes 185). People are free to oppress others by claiming what is not theirs, all in the name of pride and reputation. Life in his state of nature is nasty, brutish and short. On the contrary, Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s state of nature develops a positive milieu where man is inherently good. Man does not oppress because no property rights are prevalent.
