Hobbes and the Character of Modernity

Abstract

One of the central themes of Strauss’s work is to analyze the character of ‘modernity’ and explain how it ultimately led to the ‘crisis’ of our time. If we are to understand Strauss, we must examine what he means by ‘modernity’ and by ‘crisis’. Although he does not express it this way, his view can be described as follows. A civilization is not made of oak and rock but of individuals Its foundation is in the hearts and minds of men. Its health depends on the psychic health or depravity of its constituents. A civilization is healthy when it is inspired by an idea, a purpose and a project that animates all those within its compass. A civilization begins to decline and decay and ultimately vanishes when the individuals within it no longer believe in the idea or ideas that are its guiding light. For Strauss, ‘modernity’ is not essentially an historical or chronological category.¹ It refers primarily to the set of ideas that in the last two hundred years have gained ascendancy and become the guiding light and inspiration directing Western civilization. The crisis of modern Western civilization consists in the fact that these ideas have now lost their power; we no longer believe in them. This is not altogether surprising, for the ideas that have been our guiding lights were ill-conceived from the start. Disillusioned, we are beginning to wander aimlessly; and this aimlessness is symptomatic of an impending catastrophe.