John Locke (1632-1704)

"All man...being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions."

Who was John Locke?

John Locke is best known for having been an English philosopher, though he was also an Oxford scholar, medical researcher, economist, and political activist. Through much of his writings, Locke expressed his anti-authoritarian view, and his opposition the theory that kings were chosen by God to rule upon a group of people. He was a firm believer in the idea of a social contract, where a government rules at the consent of the governed. Locke called for people to use their own reason, and not just accept the beliefs of those ruling, and distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate governments. More famously, Locke came up with the concept of natural rights, saying that just by being born, everyone had the right to life, liberty, and property.

Character-It's a little bit difficult for me to really get a grasp of the content of Locke's character. He's admirable for challenging authority and his belief of natural rights, but there really isn't much else.

Rating: 8.5

Success-Locke doesn't have the same reputation as Aristotle and Plato when it comes to philosophy. He doesn't seem to be ranked among the very greatest of philosophers, though from the very little I know of him, I'd disagree. Thomas Jefferson actually referred to Locke, along with Francis Bacon and Issac Newton, as the three greatest men that ever lived.

Rating: 9

Positive Contributions-Locke's ideas contributed greatly to the foundations of America. His writings, particularly his concept of natural rights, greatly influenced the writing in Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. His "life, liberty, and property" was changed by Jefferson to "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration of Independence. Largely due to Locke, the United States never has had nobility or a monarchy within our government.

Rating: 7

Impact-Known as the "Father of Liberalism," Locke's ideas helped inspire the American Revolution, and influence effected the writings of Americans like Jefferson and Thomas Paine. The revolution among the colonies would be used as a rallying point for revolutions all over the world by those unhappy with those who governed them.

Rating: 9

TOTAL RATING: 8.4 (2nd of 6)