John Locke vs Thomas Hobbes on the 12 Axes
John Locke and Thomas Hobbes both built their political theories on a social contract, yet reached opposite views on how much power a ruler should hold. Locke leans Democratic and toward Liberty, while Hobbes leans strongly toward a Strong leader and Order.
- Authority
John Locke leans Democratic (-60), Thomas Hobbes leans Strong leader (+85): 145 points apart.
- Security
John Locke leans Liberty (-40), Thomas Hobbes leans Order (+80): 120 points apart.
- Structure
John Locke leans centre (0), Thomas Hobbes leans Central (+80): 80 points apart.
- Ownership
John Locke leans Private (+70), Thomas Hobbes leans Private (+10): 60 points apart.
- Morality
Both lean Traditional: +20 and +20.
All 12 axes, side by side
| Axis | John Locke | Thomas Hobbes | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| OwnershipPublic to Private | +70 | +10 | 60 |
| MarketsPlanned to Free | +40 | No record | - |
| WelfareShared to Self-reliant | +20 | -20 | 40 |
| AuthorityDemocratic to Strong leader | -60 | +85 | 145 |
| SecurityLiberty to Order | -40 | +80 | 120 |
| StructureLocal to Central | 0 | +80 | 80 |
| MoralityProgressive to Traditional | +20 | +20 | 0 |
| ReligionSecular to Religious | -20 | +10 | 30 |
| TechnologyEmbrace to Caution | No record | No record | - |
| CultureMulticultural to National identity | No record | No record | - |
| TradeGlobal to Protected | +20 | No record | - |
| Foreign policyCooperation to Strength | No record | +50 | - |
Scores run from -100 to +100 and come from each profile's documented positions. Closeness compares only the axes both have on record. It measures similar positions, not endorsement. How profiles work
Closer to John Locke or Thomas Hobbes?
Take the 12 Axes test and see your match with both, axis by axis.
Take the testQuestions
How similar are John Locke and Thomas Hobbes?
On the 7 axes where both have a documented position, their profiles are 59% close on the 12 Axes scale. They differ most on Authority, Security, Structure, Ownership.
Who is more economically left-wing, John Locke or Thomas Hobbes?
Thomas Hobbes sits further toward the collective end of the Economy family (ownership, markets and welfare), by 48 points on average.
Who favours more personal liberty, John Locke or Thomas Hobbes?
On the State family (authority, security and structure), John Locke leans further toward liberty and checks on power, by 115 points on average.
