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[최준서]

I chose this passage because reading an English text related to Thomas Hobbes’s political philosophy helped me think deeply about the philosophical foundations of law. This passage explains human nature, the state, and the necessity of law based on Hobbes’s ideas. I found it meaningful because it helps us understand modern legal systems, rather than being merely a philosophical theory. In particular, Hobbes’s realistic view of human nature clearly demonstrates why law is necessary, which I found very impressive.

Hobbes did not view human beings as inherently moral or social. He believed that, in a state of nature, people prioritize their own survival and behave selfishly. He argued that without shared rules or control, society would inevitably descend into conflict and disorder. Hobbes described this condition as a life that is “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” This means that without law and authority, human life cannot be safe or stable.

In this passage, Hobbes argues that morality and freedom are possible only when a state exists. For people to behave morally and enjoy freedom, there must be a strong authority and laws to protect them. This idea challenges the common belief that law merely restricts individual freedom. Instead, it demonstrates that law actually enables freedom. By curbing human selfishness, the law helps maintain order and safety in society.

This discussion also reminded me of the book *The Minimum Good Will*. The book argues that the law should not demand perfect morality from individuals but should instead guarantee a minimum level of fairness and consideration, enabling people to live together harmoniously in society. This perspective helped me see the law not only as a tool for control, as emphasized by Hobbes, but also as a practical standard for coexistence in everyday life.

Through this passage, I realized that law is not merely a set of rules but the product of profound reflection on human nature and social order. Hobbes’s ideas clearly explain why the state and law are necessary, as well as the role that law should play in society. This insight was especially meaningful to me as a student aspiring to study law in the future, inspiring me to think more deeply about the purpose and social context behind each law.