John Locke's - Two Treaties of Government... Life leading upto and the writing of the Two Treaties of Government.
...’s belief that one should be loyal to their government). When the Earl was ousted for treason and left for Holland, Locke followed and only returned in 1689. John Locke wrote the Two Treaties of Government, one his most widely known work, while in Holland (the other working being Essay Concerning Human Understanding). No doubt most of Locke’s influences came from what he had witnessed while working for the Earl. The two Treaties are divided in content in which the first treaty is an attack on monarchy and other forms of tyrannical governments. The second treaty is more influential in which he set out his theories of natural rights, and natural government. Locke, in the second treaty, actually plays the part of defending the government. Locke believes that people have natural rights, rights to live, and rights to property. “Whatever people remove from a state of nature and mix their labor with, is their property as long as there is enough and as good left for others…” Contrary to the beliefs of others, Locke believes that people have the right to improve themselves, both financially and socially, and even goes as far as to believe that people can govern themselves as well, “…where each person could judge his own case, leads to the formation of a civil society.” Although Locke does believe in natural rights, he does support the notion that a society must have a government. The government is in place for the protection of life, liberty, and property, “Government has no other end than the preservation of property.” It is under these conditions that a government must exist, and once you consent to obey a government, by merely living within its boarders, using its roads or enjoying the freedom it provides, then you are obligated to obey that government. You can not simply ...