Bellum Omnium Contra Omnes

This have been an incredibly shitty day with two higlights: perfect cappuccinos and Thomas Hobbes.

Now, I have never really cared for Hobbes earlier. His system has always seemed totally opposite mine. He wants subjects to authoritys to never rebel and to always accept the cards they are dealt. Those in power have absolute power and therefore has the right to do what the want to do. Not my thing. I think rebellion is important. I think rebellion should always be at the heart of what you do. Well maybe not rebellion, but at least a keen sense of anti-authoritarianism and a ability to think for yourself. Obviously, at first glance we don't mix.

But.

"Bellum omnium contra omnes."

It means "the war of all against all" and is the description that Hobbes gives to human existence in the state of nature, i.e. what we are really like, when we have no (created) civilization or state watching over us. Because if there is one thing that annoys the shit out of me it is people that takes about "nature" as something positive, as something we should strive for. And sure, I think there are many ways that nature is to prefer, since we after all are animals and have very base instincts that we need to understand and sometimes use and appreciate. BUT: I am very careful about nature, and especially "nature." "Nature" usually ain't as natural as people think it is. Nature (but for some reason "nature" doesn't seem to be, if you listen to it's acolytes.) is an ugly and hostile place. You want things to be more natural? Abolish every law ever written. Legalize rape, theft, murder and incest because you know what? It's perfectly natural.

And Hobbes realized this, I think. He realized that all societys are a form of contract where we give up some of our freedoms (the freedoms to rape, murder and steal) in order to be protected from violence (and, in my book other forms of oppression as well.).

Everything but our base lusts and instincts are constructs to protect us from our base lusts and instincts.

In other news, I have for some reason become quite fond of Maniacs (ex-Mayhem) new band Skitliv. Mad and insane doom/black metal. And I really enjoy his fucked up tattoos.


Addendum I: Oh, and for our basic instincts and urges I think they are basically this: Eath, Shit, Fuck, Kill, Dominate and to be dominated. If you strip everything from us, if you take us back to before we where even cavemen, thats what you have. A flock minded, sex crazed killing machine with dreams of power.

Addendum II: Swedish readers should check this blog. He's obviously a liberal, but hey. You can't get everything. Anyway, his idea is somehow related to my own. So check it out.