How Did John Locke's Influence On Government
John Locke, a seventeenth century English political philosopher, was a man ahead of his time for his ideas on rights of life, liberty and property. Locke’s 1690 book Two Treatises of Government changed the nature of government and expressed the importance of individualism, private property and the natural rights of people and their interaction with the government. John Locke’s philosophical work was one of the major influences behind the preparation of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Many of the Founding Fathers, to include Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were inspired by Locke’s thoughts of a government that has the responsibility to protect the essential rights of life, liberty and property.
…show more content…
To mention one of many, Frederic Bastiat a Nineteenth century French political economist who, in his essay The Law examined how the law has the potential to become a harmful tool in the hands of those in power. Bastiat’s work was heavily influenced by John Locke’s ideas on the individual liberties, property rights and the role of the government. For Bastiat, the purpose of the law is to protect the God given individual rights and freedoms. The law becomes the defender of the natural rights. To accomplish this objective laws are meant to prevent actions that could harm others and their property. Along with Locke’s work Bastiat essay gave the people a better understanding on the power people have and the role of the government. Since Locke’s work, the humanity has experienced many changes that delivered the world we know today. His work has redefined the concept of government and inspired the need for liberty and dignity resulting huge leap in technology, commerce and society. John Locke’s ideals on God given rights of the individuals, the role of the government, and the concept of property right have had a tremendous influence on the philosophy of business in the free society and consequently a great influence modern western civilization
To mention one of many, Frederic Bastiat a Nineteenth century French political economist who, in his essay The Law examined how the law has the potential to become a harmful tool in the hands of those in power. Bastiat’s work was heavily influenced by John Locke’s ideas on the individual liberties, property rights and the role of the government. For Bastiat, the purpose of the law is to protect the God given individual rights and freedoms. The law becomes the defender of the natural rights. To accomplish this objective laws are meant to prevent actions that could harm others and their property. Along with Locke’s work Bastiat essay gave the people a better understanding on the power people have and the role of the government. Since Locke’s work, the humanity has experienced many changes that delivered the world we know today. His work has redefined the concept of government and inspired the need for liberty and dignity resulting huge leap in technology, commerce and society. John Locke’s ideals on God given rights of the individuals, the role of the government, and the concept of property right have had a tremendous influence on the philosophy of business in the free society and consequently a great influence modern western civilization