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Single Idea 19865

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 3. Natural Values / b. Natural equality ]

Full Idea

Creatures of the same species and rank, promiscuously born to all the same advantages of Nature, are also equal one among another, without subordination or subjection.

Gist of Idea

There is no subjection in nature, and all creatures of the same species are equal

Source

John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 004)

Book Ref

Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.118

A Reaction

The birds in my garden don't behave as if that were true. Physical strength is surely a natural inequality.

The 5 ideas with the same theme [equalities implied merely by being human]:

19865 There is no subjection in nature, and all creatures of the same species are equal [Locke]
21099 People must have agreed to authority, because they are naturally equal, prior to education [Hume]
19772 In a state of nature people are much more equal; it is society which increases inequalities [Rousseau]
19789 It is against nature for children to rule old men, fools to rule the wise, and the rich to hog resources [Rousseau]
20565 Men are created equal, and with certain inalienable rights [Jefferson]