I put for the general inclination of all mankind, a perpetual and restless desire of power after power, that ceaseth only in death.

Thomas Hobbes' quote, "I put for the general inclination of all mankind, a perpetual and restless desire of power after power, that ceaseth only in death," reflects his view of human nature as outlined in his seminal work Leviathan. Hobbes believed that humans are driven by an insatiable desire for power and that this drive is the fundamental force behind human behavior. According to Hobbes, this restless pursuit of power does not stop until death, making it an unending cycle in the human experience.

In this quote, Hobbes emphasizes the constant and uncontrollable nature of human ambition. The desire for power, he suggests, is ingrained in every person and is the driving force behind many of their actions. Unlike other desires or needs that may be satisfied temporarily, the pursuit of power is perpetual and never fully quenched. This view of human nature reflects Hobbes' belief in the inherent self-interest of individuals and their constant quest for control, security, and influence.

Hobbes also suggests that this desire for power is a universal aspect of human nature, shared by all individuals. It is a defining characteristic of mankind that transcends time and culture. This constant desire for more power is the reason, according to Hobbes, that people often find themselves in a state of conflict and competition, as each person seeks to increase their own power at the expense of others.

Ultimately, the quote reflects Hobbes' pessimistic view of human nature, where the struggle for power is relentless and, in his philosophy, often leads to chaos and violence unless controlled by a strong social contract. Hobbes believed that only through a powerful governing authority, a "Leviathan," could the disruptive effects of this constant pursuit of power be mitigated.