An Evaluation of the Concept of Power in Thomas Hobbes

The concept of power is quite difficult to understand given its literal connotation. However, this Book sought to unveil the rational principles for the construction of power in order to install a regime of communication shorn of unnecessary ambiguity that would not be subject to destruction from within. According to Thomas Hobbes, human beings are generally inclined to a perpetual and restless desire for power after power that ceases only in death. The implication is that, the struggle for 'power after power' and means of controlling it is natural to man. The book relies more on library search for the source of its materials where emphasis was placed on Thomas Hobbes' masterpiece, the Leviathan. References were also made to human life and experiences where necessary. Hobbes viewed power as the governing component in all those qualities one seeks to know or get. He also considers power as a present means, for man to obtain some future apparent good. The book concludes that power is indeed, an essential part of human person. It is a hinge on which revolve the daily activities of man. Those who rule over others do so because of the mandate given them by the people.