Beast Quote by John Locke
“A criminal who, having renounced reason ... hath, by the unjust violence and slaughter he hath committed upon one, declared war against all mankind, and therefore may be destroyed as a lion or tiger, one of those wild savage beasts with whom men can have no society nor security.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Two Treatises of Government, 1689
Locke argues that those who commit extreme violence become a threat to all, justifying their removal like dangerous beasts.
In simple terms: Violent individuals are a danger to society and can be eliminated.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront threats to communal safety.
Themes
justice
violence
society
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- law enforcement
- community safety
- human rights
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
political philosophy
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a justifiable removal of a violent individual?
- How can societies balance security with due process?
A Different Perspective
Eliminating threats may raise moral and legal dilemmas.
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![“No visiting angel, or explorer from another planet, could have guessed that this bland orb [Earth] teemed with vermin, with world-mastering, self-torturing, incipiently angelic beasts.” quote by Olaf Stapledon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d65/olaf-stapledon-9950_angel_no-visiting-angel-or-explorer-from-anoth_12107.jpg)
