Single Idea 19882

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 1. A People / b. The natural life]

Full Idea

God, having made man such a creature that, in His own judgement, it was not good for him to be alone, put him under strong obligations of necessity, convenience, and inclination, to drive him into society.

Gist of Idea

We are not created for solitude, but are driven into society by our needs

Source

John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 077)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.154


A Reaction

This is almost Aristotelian, apart from the individualistic assumption that we are 'driven' into society. The only time I see other people looking generally happy is when they are sitting around at leisure and talking to other people.