Which philosopher wrote 'Leviathan' and believed in submission to rulers for societal harmony?

The philosopher who wrote 'Leviathan' and advocated for submission to rulers for societal harmony is Thomas Hobbes. In 'Leviathan,' published in 1651, Hobbes presents a view of human nature in which individuals act primarily in their own self-interest. He argues that in the absence of political authority, human life would be "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" due to the natural state of competition and conflict among individuals.

To alleviate this chaos and establish a stable society, Hobbes proposed the idea of a social contract, where individuals collectively agree to surrender certain freedoms and submit to the authority of a sovereign power. This ruler, whether a monarch or an assembly, would maintain order and protect the people, ensuring societal harmony through the enforcement of laws and the provision of security.

By advocating for this submission to authority, Hobbes emphasized the importance of a strong centralized power to prevent societal discord, which is a central theme in his political philosophy. This perspective contrasts with other philosophers like John Locke, who valued individual rights and governance through consent, making Hobbes's view distinct and pivotal in the history of political thought.