E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Hob’bism.
The principles of Thomas Hobbes, author of Leviathan (1588–1670). He taught that religion is a mere engine of state, and that man acts wholly on a consideration of self; even his benevolent acts spring from the pleasure he experiences in doing acts of kindness. A follower of Hobbes is called a Hobbist.
