What was Thomas Hobbes' view on human nature?

Thomas Hobbes viewed human nature as inherently violent and self-interested, which he articulated in his work "Leviathan." He believed that in their natural state, without the constraints imposed by society or government, humans would act in ways that are detrimental not only to each other but also to their own survival. Hobbes argued that this natural condition would lead to a life that is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short" due to the competition for resources and the desire for power. Thus, he concluded that in order to escape such a chaotic existence, individuals must agree to form a social contract, surrendering certain freedoms to a sovereign authority to ensure peace and security. This perspective emphasizes the necessity of strong governance to manage human tendencies toward violence and conflict.