How Do Hobbes' And Rousseau's Presentations Of Our Natural Condition Differ, And What Explains This Difference?

NATURAL CONDITION OF HUMAN BEINGS
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(04 March, 2018)
HOW DO HOBBES’ AND ROUSSEAU’S PRESENTATIONS OF OUR NATURAL CONDITION DIFFER, AND WHAT EXPLAINS THIS DIFFERENCE?
Nature has made all men equal. The variations in body strength and that of the mind are only phases in human beings in different points of time. Otherwise, nature has given them the equal strength of the mind and body. The apparent differences in size and strength of humans are not significant, as even a weaker man can kill a stronger one using various means at his disposal. More importantly, men practice prudence, which means that they all can equally play by the rules or logic. Prudence is brought about by experience that a man goes through at various points in life. While all men may attain wisdom, the level of tolerance that humans have for each other may be on a decline. Appreciating the knowledge and wisdom of others is not easy for a man. Hence, the concept of rivalry and competition is in-built in many human beings.
All men wish to reach a good end; however, in the process, they want to go ahead of each other and ultimately develop jealousy and rivalry. The rivalry takes an intense form and some reach their end before the others. A man, therefore, can become an invader, stepping on to others’ places and lands to act superior to them. Man does not like to be subdued and that develops a nature of rivalry and jealousy. The invader then feels at ease to usurp the rights of others, depriving them of their hard work and not taking into account their possessions and ownerships.
Men, therefore, like to retain power and also wish to earn appreciation from their peers. The appreciation should be based upon their high level of power as opposed to others. It is a matter of grief that for the sake of power, men can totally destroy each other in the process. At the same time, the desire to be appreciated by others does not fade away. Besides, such confrontations of man, all other time is expected to be of peace. Once men overpower each other and defeating each other, there may be prolonged times of peace. In times of war, however, culture does not take care of by anyone. Also, there is no growth of industry as there is no demand for production of various kinds of goods in such times of trouble. There are neither the growth of arts nor of literature in such times where the total focus is on battle and revenge.
TO WHAT EXTENT DO THEIR DIFFERENT PRESENTATIONS OF OUR NATURAL CONDITION DEPEND UPON DIFFERENT CONCEPTIONS OF HUMAN NATURE?
The different presentations of our natural condition do significantly depend upon different conceptions of human nature. While nature has provided simple rules and standards of living, it is the man who makes this system complicated for himself and for his family and friends. Man’s actions depict that he trusts no one, and also does not trust nature and natural laws. For example, he locks his house and his chest before sleeping; he keeps a watch as he travels in the night, expecting to find trouble. Man trusts no one but himself. The actions of man are determined by his passions, and one of the main passions ...