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The question posed is what is the nature and extent of obligation in De Cive. Hobbes deals with various forms of obligation and there are more than a few ways to become obligated according to Hobbes. For Hobbes the nature of obligation is a hierarchy where all other potential sources of obligation must yield to the most powerful obligation which is to preserve our bodies against death and injury with all means possible. From this very simple to understand point, obligation extends into more and more detailed levels based first on momentary emotions, reason, then finally spoken and written contracts. Hobbes lays down very clearly that everyone that the has the right to resist death and injury with any means possible and that among fears, death is the most chief among them (Ch.1 VI-VIII.). Hobbes states at there are two types of natural obligation (Ch.15 VII.). The first is where liberty is taken away by force which can be attributed to the obligation to preserve oneself. In order to avoid the death blow, one simply yields at that instant without thought to the demand. The other is by hope or fear. Man’s obligation to God is described as this type of obligation. When confronted with such an overwhelming feeling, arrived by the