Which philosopher is associated with the belief that strong governments are necessary due to humanity's selfish nature?

The belief that strong governments are necessary because of humanity's inherently selfish nature is most closely associated with Thomas Hobbes. In his work "Leviathan," Hobbes argues that in a state of nature, human beings are driven by self-interest and competition, which can lead to chaos and violence. He posits that in order to avoid such disorder, individuals must collectively agree to form a powerful sovereign authority that can impose order and maintain peace. This social contract is essential to curb the selfish tendencies of individuals, thus legitimizing a strong government as a necessary authority to ensure security and stability within society.

In contrast, John Locke presented a more optimistic view of human nature, suggesting that people are generally able to govern themselves. Jean-Jacques Rousseau believed that humans are inherently good but corrupted by society, advocating for a social contract based on the collective will. Montesquieu focused on the separation of powers within government to prevent tyranny rather than emphasizing the need for a strong central authority due to selfishness. Each of these philosophers had different perspectives on government and human nature, but Hobbes's view most directly aligns with the idea that strong governance is essential because of humanity's selfish characteristics.