Freedom Quote by John Locke
““Examples out of History, of People free and in the State of Nature, that being met together incorporated and began a Common-wealth. And if the want of such instances be an argument to prove that Government were not, nor could not be so begun, I suppose the contenders for Parernal Empire were better let it alone, than urge it against natural Liberty. For if they can give so many instances out of History, of Governments begun upon Paternal Right, I think (though at best an Argument from what has been, to what should of right be, has no great force) one might, without any great danger, yield them the cause. But if I might advise the Original of Governments, as they have begun de facto, lest they should find at the foundation of most of them, something very little favourable to the design they promote, and such a power as they contend for.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Two Treatises of Government, 1689
Locke argues that governments arise from people voluntarily forming societies, not from divine right, and that natural liberty should be preserved.
In simple terms: Governments start from people’s agreement, not imposed authority.
Key Takeaway
Respect natural liberty when forming societies.
Themes
politics
social contract
liberty
government
history
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- founding a nation
- constitutional design
- civil rights movements
Key Concepts
natural rights
social contract theory
historical precedent
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards ensure liberty isn’t eroded?
- How do modern states balance authority and freedom?
A Different Perspective
Assumes people will act rationally in forming governments.
![“[If you understood the natural rights of mankind,] [y]ou would be convinced that natural liberty is a gift of the beneficent Creator to the whole human race, and that civil liberty is founded in that, and cannot be wrested from any people without the most manifest violation of justice.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/841/alexander-hamilton-619_civil-liberties_if-you-understood-the-natural-rights-of_545533.jpg)
![“[M]an is not permitted without censure to follow his own thoughts in the search of truth, when they lead him ever so little out of the common road.” quote by John Locke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9bd/john-locke-814_censorship_m-an-is-not-permitted-without-censure-to_60175.jpg)
