..every Man has a Property in his own Person. This no Body…
“..every Man has a Property in his own Person. This no Body has any Right to but himself. The Labour of his Body, and the Work of his Hands, we may say, are properly his. … The great and chief end therefore, of Mens uniting into Commonwealths, and putting themselves under Government, is the Preservation of their Property.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Individuals own their bodies and labor; governments exist to protect this personal property.
In simple terms: People own themselves; governments protect that.
Key Takeaway
Guard personal autonomy.
Themes
property
rights
government
Mood
analytical
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political theory
- civil law
- personal autonomy
Key Concepts
natural rights
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines personal property in modern societies?
- How do collective needs balance individual rights?
A Different Perspective
Assumes universal agreement on property definition.