As seen in the following statement from the declaration of independence life’s liberty and the pursuit of happiness can be referred to as some of the rights discussed in the enlightenment “ we hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal that they are endowned by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life liberty and the pursuit of happiness”

John locke viewed the social contract as a choice or "consent of the governed", where the people possess the power to change government. how did thomas hobbes see the social contract? man is born in chains, but can be set free through good deeds. man is born happy, but becomes more miserable as he ages. man is born poor, but can rely on other individuals for security. man is born selfish, but can give up some freedom in return for security provided by the government.