Peace is not given by nature: it has to be built by covenant.
Without a common power to keep them in awe, equal and mutually fearful human beings live in a condition of war of every one against every one: not constant fighting, but a known disposition to fight that leaves no room for industry, culture or trust.
A traveller who arms himself and a householder who locks his chests show by their actions what they expect of others, even where there are laws.
Reason discovers general rules that forbid people to do what destroys their own life: seek peace wherever it can be had, lay down the right to all things when others are willing to do the same, and keep the covenants one has made.
Two neighbours who each agree to disarm only if the other does the same are following the second law of nature.
A commonwealth arises when each member of a multitude authorizes the same person or assembly to act in their name, so that its actions count as their own. This representative must hold undivided powers to judge, legislate, tax, make war and decide which doctrines may be taught.
Citizens who obey an unpopular law can still regard it as their own act, because they authorized the sovereign who made it.
Liberty is the absence of external obstacles to motion, and it is compatible with necessity and with fear. Subjects are free wherever the law is silent, and no covenant can take away their right to defend their own lives.
A man who throws his goods into the sea to save the ship acts freely, although he does so out of fear.