The English Philosopher John Locke inspired the enlightenment and one of the most important American documents. The document called the Declaration of Independence. His political beliefs were based on the concept of a social contract between citizens. Especially in the importance of toleration, particularly in matters of religion. The goal of this writing is to summarize one of Locke’s books. In the book, Two Treatises of Government, Locke writes and explains defending natural rights and government responsibilities to protecting those rights. He also discusses the religious impact to these rights and how absolute monarch was not the right way to govern mankind.
John Locke’s writing style of politics remain captivating. This reading perseveres multiple centuries as inspiring work. Locke’s era endured tempestuous political conflicts. Two Treatises of Government was believed to be written to justify the Revolution of 1688. King James II was overthrown by Protestant William of Orange. However, some historians have attempted to rebuke this belief. This notion has not been agreed upon by many scholars. There is an agreement that this book was written during the Exclusion Crisis. When Locke was by the side of Earl of Shaftesbury.
In reading this work, Locke provides political ideas, rejecting the divine rights of Kings. Locke believes societies should form government with common agreement. The Preface starts with Locke writing about King William, “the king, and body of the nation, have since so thoroughly confuted his Hypothesis, that I suppose nobody hereafter will have either the confidence to appear against our common safety, and be again an advocate for slavery”. He explains the King’s stance on human rights and how change needed to happen. He continued in Chapter One with the issue of slavery. “Slavery is so vile and miserable an estate of man”. Locke’s views were ahead of its time.
He advanced arguments about freedom of conscience and belief, the relations between religion and politics. In the second Chapter, Locke requested for man to be freed as the law required. He felt “that all government is absolute monarchy” and “that no man is born free”. These words inspired many politicians and advocates to fight for freedom. Locke focuses on the nature of property, family and the foundations of political legitimacy. These issues became the norm to political disagreement in the modern West.
History shows us monarchy rule had many rebellions. The reasoning echoed in Locke’s words. Locke explains that princes believed “they have a divine right to absolute power”. He continues that many individuals with royal bloodlines denied citizens with their natural freedom. They lust for power. Many Princes thirsted for full authority and believed if they lied to the people they would follow in suit. Locke says they “exposed all subjects to the utmost misery of tyranny and oppression”.
Chapter III, Of Adam’s Title to Sovereignty by Creation had six sections. Locke quotes Aristotle in this chapter. This was interesting due to Aristotle’s beliefs on slavery. Aristotle believed the usefulness of slaves diverges little from that of animals. But Locke uses Aristotle to argue his points with biblical scripture. Aristotle wrote “A natural freedom of mankind cannot be supposed without the denial of the creation of Adam”. Locke explains when God created Adam, he was free without any authority like parents. He explains this goes the same with animals like the lion. Adam was given his title by God, “one might have supposed mankind free without the denying the creation of Adam, since it was God’s appointment made him monarch”.
Locke continued his points. His writing wants to put together Adam’s creation and his appointment. The argument comes full circle. He understands that “Adam was a king from his creation”. But there are no people to rule and there is no government to govern. He explains “I cannot see, how our author can say in this sense, that by God’s appointment, as soon as Adam was created, he was monarch of the world”. In this chapter, the writing shows that the writer was conflicted and at times arguing with himself. Religion is never an easy conversation and Locke appears to be conflicted in these sections.
Locke wrote for all mankind. He worried about the rights of all people, everywhere. He uses scripts and language from the Bible to validate his points. “Scripture or reason I am sure do not anywhere say so, notwithstanding the noise of divine right, as if divine authority hath subjected us to the unlimited will of another.” Imagine if people did not start living their lives as God intended it to be. Locke worried about this notion. He felt people could make their own decision. He believed in the “state of nature” all was free.
Summarizing this reading was no simple task. But, Two Treatises of Government was an interesting read and revealed many of Locke’s beliefs. There is some confliction within the writing. He felt men were entitled to certain rights and duties. But when it came to religion, he attempted to rationale the creation of Adam not being an absolute monarch. He used the Greek Philosopher, Aristotle as a source. He argued back and forth, but in Section 82, he gives two explanations: “power of Adam was not to end with him” and “princes and rulers now on earth are possessed of this power of Adam by a right way of conveyance derived to them”.
Liberty, Life and ownership of Properties are rights we argue to this day. As Americans our Constitution protects these rights. Locke believed it was the task of any state to protect man’s rights. He continued if the government did not protect these rights, the citizens could seek new ruler. People have the right to decide who should rule. Doesn’t this sound familiar? John Locke’s writings and beliefs inspired many of our founding fathers, and it could be seen in many important U.S. documents, most notably The Declaration of Independence.
Bibliography
Locke, John. Two Treatises of Government. Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 1988.
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