Another man Quote by John Locke
“Freedom of men under government is to have a standing rule to live by, common to every one of that society and made by the legislative power vested in it and not to be subject to the inconstant, uncertain, arbitrary will of another man.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Two Treatises of Government, 1689
A just society requires laws that are stable, common, and created by its own legislature, not subject to arbitrary whims of individuals.
In simple terms: Stable, common laws protect freedom.
Key Takeaway
Ensure laws are transparent and consistent.
Themes
freedom
law
government
stability
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- drafting legislation
- public policy
- civil rights advocacy
Key Concepts
social contract
rule of law
legitimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance stability with necessary change?
- Who decides when a law becomes arbitrary?
A Different Perspective
Laws can become rigid and stifle innovation if not periodically reviewed.
![“[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)
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
