So that in the first place, I put for a general inclination of all mankind a perpetual and restless desire of power after power that ceaseth only in death. And the cause of this is not always that a man hopes for a more intensive delight than he already attained to or that he cannot be content with a moderate power, but because he cannot assure the power and means to live well, which he hath present, without the acquisition of more. And from kings, whose power is greatest, turn their endeavours to assuring it at home by laws or abroad by wars; and themselves are inclined to rash engaging, and in the approach of danger or difficulty to retire if they can, because not seeing the way of safety they will rather hazard their honour, for which may be salved with an excuse than their lives, for which no salve is sufficient.[1]
Hobbes, Leviathan (1651)
[1] Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, ed., A.P. Martinich (Peterborough, ON: Broadview Press,
2002), pp.75, 76. (Chapter XI).
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