On page 129, chapter 17, Hobbes says, "And as small Families did then; so now do Cities and Kingdoms which are but greater Families (for their own security) enlarge their Dominions, upon all pretences of danger, and fear of Invasion, endeavor as much as they can, to subdue, or weaken their neighbors, by open force, and secret arts, for want of other Caution, justly; and are remembered for it in after ages with honour."
Whoa - is Hobbes saying that neighbors (being nearby cities of course) can only be enemies? Did he ever hear of a wonderful word called 'allies'?
Granted, many countries have hostile relationships. That's what war is all about. But, it's not always every country for themselves. Absolutely countless times, countries have teamed up to defeat their common enemy. Hey, sometimes countries even help other countries simply because they feel morally obligated. And countries have worked together tons of times, even if it wasn't for benefit of war. Trading between countries has been going on for thousands of years, way before Hobbes was born.
What is Hobbes talking about when he says, "...endeavor as much as they can, to subdue, or weaken their neighbors, by open force, and secret arts..."? He makes it sound like if you're not with the certain city or kingdom, then you have to be against them.
Hobbes wasn't a very trusting or optimistic guy, was he?
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