Hobbes

I'm currently listening to: Idobi Radio... Sum 41's "Summer"

I have to read Hobbes' The Leviathan for my philosophy class. He's not too bad, a bit fancy in his words, and uses olde english, but is generally okay. The thing is, the teacher described him as a generally timid person. I mean, he was probably one of those guys who'd be picked on during High School. He says that man is generally a timid creature, who attacks out of fear.

I'll buy that. Well, I'll buy part of it... most people will give up desires for fear. But the solution that Hobbes gives to the violence in the streets of England (in his day and age) is an absolute ruler whose only job is to keep the country out of war and police the streets so a person can go out at night without getting "bopped on the head". He's talking Totalitarian.

Anybody else think he's mentally unhinged? or just not taking into account the fact that there are generally uprisings against people who suppress freedom? I mean, what good is being safe if the government begins to police more than the streets... if the king starts supressing literature... if the rulers keeps people from having public assemblys? Maybe it's just me, but that's just not right.