Thomas Hobbes was born on April 5, 1588, in Westport, now part of Malmesbury in Wiltshire, England. He was educated at Magdalen Hall, Oxford University, graduating in 1608. Hobbes worked for several aristocratic families as a tutor, which gave him the opportunity to travel and to be exposed to different intellectual traditions across Europe, notably science and philosophy. His most enduring work, 'Leviathan,' presents an uncompromising vision of the nature of human beings and the necessity of absolute government to prevent societal collapse. Thomas Hobbes laid the groundwork for future philosophers and political theorists, influencing thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. He lived during a time of upheaval and his works reflect his views on the structure of society and legitimate government. Hobbes passed away on December 4, 1679, in Derbyshire, England.