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Leviathan And Gilgamesh Comparison Essay

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Comparison between Gilgamesh and Leviathan The comparison that I am most interested in is between Stephen Mitchell’s Gilgamesh and Thomas Hobbes’s Leviathan. In the two books, both of the societies are managed by a single supreme ruler. Therefore, the relation between individual and society holds a great amount of contrasts worth discussing. This comparison is significant is because the relation of individuals within a society depends upon one fact that the individual and the society can never be mutually independent from one another. One grows with the help of the other. In Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh is the infinite and supreme ruler of Uruk. He alone is in charge of the entire city. Gilgamesh’s powers are given by god, “the goddess Aruru, …show more content…

The reason for this great variation is different decision making process. Gilgamesh on the one hand does whatever he desires, without taking any individual interests into account. On the other hand, Hobbes puts forward the idea of commonwealth, in which men enter into covenants and agree with one another. “The commonwealth may use the strength and means of them all, as he shall think appropriate, for their peace and common defense ( Hobbes 79 ).” In this way, the society will acquire peace and harmony. The comparison between individual and society is considered significant is because individuals live and act within a society. However society is nothing but the combination of individuals for united effort. Moreover, society exists in order to serve individuals, not the other way around. To conclude, the relationship of individual and society is not one-sided. Both are essential for the comprehension of the other. Every individual performs certain functions in a society, which keep the social machine running. In return, society helps individuals achieve their personal goals by offering necessary resources. With Gilgamesh being the infinite ruler of Uruk, he leads the society and individuals within to destruction and sufferings. With sovereign being in charge in Leviathan, the society enjoys peace and harmony. Thus, the existence of a supreme ruler is what combines individuals with

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