Full Idea
The 'labour' being the unquestionable property of the labourer, no man but he can have a right to what that is once joined to, at least where there is enough, and as good left in common for others.
Gist of Idea
A man's labour gives ownership rights - as long as there are fair shares for all
Source
John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 027)
A Reaction
The qualification at the end is a crucial (and problematic) addition to his theory. What is the situation when an area of wilderness is 98% owned? What of the single source of water? Who gets the best parts? Getting there first seems crucial.
Book Reference
Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.130
Related Ideas
Idea 19872 The animals and fruits of the earth belong to mankind [Locke]
Idea 19873 We all own our bodies, and the work we do is our own [Locke]
Idea 19874 If a man mixes his labour with something in Nature, he thereby comes to own it [Locke]