This passage expresses some of the negative attitudes that English settlers had towards American Indians.
First, the quotes serve to highlight the fact that colonists did not feel particularly bad for the deaths of the natives, as they show no empathy towards them. They were most likely indifferent to the loss of culture and the disruption of family life that this caused as well.
Moreover, it shows that they knew the reasons why the Indians were dying (smallpox), but had no interest in taking any measures to prevent it.
Third, they show a sense of entitlement over the lands of the indigenous people. As most of them have died, and the population cannot defend itself, they have no problem in taking their land forcefully.
Finally, by comparing themselves to the Spanish, they also show awareness of the destruction and chaos that colonial powers have created in other places, and are thankful that they did not have to engage in a difficult war with the Native Americans.
<u>This portion of the text shows Hobbes supported an absolute ruler:</u>
- <em>Men are continually in competition for honour and dignity . . . and consequently amongst men there ariseth on that ground, envy, and hatred, and finally war. ... No wonder if there be somewhat else required, besides [contract], to make their agreement constant and lasting; which is a common power to keep them in awe and to direct their actions to the common benefit.
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The only way to erect such a common power, as may be able to defend them from the invasion of foreigners, and the injuries of one another . . . is to confer all their power and strength upon one man, or upon one assembly of men, that may reduce all their wills, by plurality of voices, unto one will.</em>
Further detail:
Thomas Hobbes published a famous work called Leviathan in 1651. The title "Leviathan" comes from a biblical word for a great and mighty beast. Hobbes believed government is formed by people for the sake of their personal security and stability in society. In Hobbes' view, once the people put a king (or other leader in power), then that leader needs to have supreme power (like a great and mighty beast). Hobbes' view of the natural state of human beings without a government held that people are too divided and too volatile as individuals -- everyone looking out for his own interests. So for security and stability, authority and the power of the law needs to be in the hands of a powerful ruler like a king or queen. And so people willingly enter a "social contract" in which they live under a government that provides stability and security for society.
Answer:
Life is all about taking risks.
The answer is 2 + 2 is four
