________________
Social Aspect of Non-Violence
:
150
Hobbes
Hobbes, while discussing the nature of human being has assigned that man is selfish by nature. Though he possesses both divine and devil motives, he always likes to use the divine element of his nature to satisfy his devil demands. Because human beings are selfish they fear from one another and this fearfulness has compelled them to organize society. This shows that human nature is full of violence which causes disturbance and disaster in society. But in his famous work “Leviathan" he has propounded following 19 Laws of Nature which support non-violence
(i) The Fundamental Law of Nature - Peace
"That everyman, ought to endeavor Peace, as farre as he hope of obtaining it and when he cannot obtain it; he may seek, and use all helps and advantages of Warre."4
It means that one should try his best to achieve peace but in case of failure he should defend himself even on the basis of war.
(ii) The second Law of Nature - Liberty
"That a man be willing when others are so too, as farre forth, as for Peace and (65) defence of him self he shall think it necessary, so lay down this right to all things and be contented with so much liberty against other men as he would allow other men against himself."
"It means a man should have liberty as much as he can provide it to others"
(iii) The Third Law of Nature - Justice
"That men perform their Covenants made : without which Covenants are in vain and but Empty words, and the right of all men to all things remaining, wee are still in the condition of Warre."
That all men have rights of all things. (iv) The fourth Law of Nature - Gratitude
“That a man which receiveth Benefit from another of meer Grace, Endeavour that he which giveth it have no reasonable cause to repent him of his good will."?
(v) The fifth, Mutuall accommodation or Compleasance
“That everyman strives to accommodate himself to the rest."
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
