Book #26: Two Treatises of Government by John Locke
Long before Thomas Paine and the American Founding Fathers, there was John Locke, an English Enlightenment thinker known sometimes as the “father of liberalism”. Locke’s Two Treatises of Government is a foundational work in political philosophy, addressing the nature of government and the rights of individuals. Here are a few ways in which the Two Treatises influenced my understanding of the rights and responsibilities of individuals within a society.
Natural Rights and Social Contract
Locke’s assertion of natural rights, particularly life, liberty, and property, strongly impacted the world’s understanding of the relationship between individuals and government. His argument that “Being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions” highlighted the natural rights inherent in humanity, as well as the responsibility we have to not deny others of the enjoyment of rights. Personally, it introduced me to the social contract theory. It helped clarify that the government exists to protect fundamental rights, and individuals have the right to rebel against unjust authorities that deny them of those rights.
Limits of Government Power
Locke’s articulation of the limits of government power laid the groundwork for a critical evaluation of authority for centuries to come. His statement, “The end of law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge freedom” underscored the necessity for a government restrained by the law, and governed by the consent of the people. This concept spotlights the importance of checks and balances, which ensures that a government is accountable to its citizens.
Advocacy for Consent and Democracy
The emphasis on consent as the basis of legitimate government in Locke’s work prompted the exploration of the significance of popular sovereignty. His conviction that “The power of the legislative being derived from the people by a positive voluntary grant and institution” continues to inspire belief in participatory democracy and the role of citizens in the decision-making process. It helped perpetuate the idea that governments derive their powers from the consent of the people.
Autonomy and Cooperation
Locke’s emphasis on individual autonomy and equality in the state of nature provided firm foundations for understanding the social contract among men. Channeling Thomas Hobbes before him, Locke argues that while we are all sovereign beings, our individual sovereignty is imperiled if each of us exists on our own. His comments that “….for all being kings as much as he, every man his equal, and the greater part no strict observers of equity and justice, the enjoyment of the property he has in this state is very unsafe, very unsecure. This makes him willing to quit a condition, which, however free, is full of fears and continual dangers: and it is not without reason, that he seeks out, and is willing to join in society with others” lays the foundation for why a person is better off in cooperation with others than living in isolation.
Two Treatises of Government remains a pivotal work in shaping our understanding of governance, individual rights, and the relationship between citizens and the state. Its principles continue to inspire discussions on liberty, democracy, and the role of government in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of individuals.
