more from this thinker | more from this text
Full Idea
The estate all men are naturally in is perfect freedom to order their actions, and dispose of their possessions and persons as they think fit, within the bounds of the laws of nature.
Gist of Idea
In nature men can dispose of possessions and their persons in any way that is possible
Source
John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 004)
Book Ref
Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.118
A Reaction
Note that they have possessions, so property is not an invention of society, but something which society should protect. Presumably Locke thinks they could sell themselves into slavery, which Rousseau rejects.
| 8020 | Only self-knowledge can liberate us [Spinoza, by MacIntyre] |
| 19864 | In nature men can dispose of possessions and their persons in any way that is possible [Locke] |
| 20581 | If men are born free, are women born slaves? [Astell] |
| 19774 | A savage can steal fruit or a home, but there is no means of achieving obedience [Rousseau] |
| 7232 | Man is born free, and he is everywhere in chains [Rousseau] |
| 7234 | No man has any natural authority over his fellows [Rousseau] |
| 7212 | Individuals have sovereignty over their own bodies and minds [Mill] |
| 8022 | I am naturally free if I am not tied to anyone by a contract [MacIntyre] |