This relates directly back to freedom in Hobbes' concept of motion. Freedom is infringed upon when movement is bound or restricted by an external force. The main question that arises here is what exactly constitutes a restrictive external force. The state of nature is one where preservation of life is impossible and humans by nature want to preserve their lives. Through this line of argument, the choice between joining together in a covenant to form a sovereign power and remaining in the state of nature is a choice between being able to preserve one's life and not being able to. For Hobbes, entering a situation where it is impossible to preserve one's own life is a free choice. Despite the preservation of life being a crucial facet of his understanding of human nature. This is only rational when Hobbes' theory on freedom in motion is viewed without compromise. A choice made in a state of fear or desire to escape danger is still very much a free choice according to Hobbes. The decision to willingly remain in an environment where death is a constant threat is a viable choice to make because, "fear and liberty are consistent" (II. xxi.
This relates directly back to freedom in Hobbes' concept of motion. Freedom is infringed upon when movement is bound or restricted by an external force. The main question that arises here is what exactly constitutes a restrictive external force. The state of nature is one where preservation of life is impossible and humans by nature want to preserve their lives. Through this line of argument, the choice between joining together in a covenant to form a sovereign power and remaining in the state of nature is a choice between being able to preserve one's life and not being able to. For Hobbes, entering a situation where it is impossible to preserve one's own life is a free choice. Despite the preservation of life being a crucial facet of his understanding of human nature. This is only rational when Hobbes' theory on freedom in motion is viewed without compromise. A choice made in a state of fear or desire to escape danger is still very much a free choice according to Hobbes. The decision to willingly remain in an environment where death is a constant threat is a viable choice to make because, "fear and liberty are consistent" (II. xxi.