Full Idea
It is natural for us to defend life and limb, but that an inferior should punish a superior is against nature.
Gist of Idea
Self-defence is natural, but not the punishment of superiors by inferiors
Source
John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 236)
Book Reference
Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.236
A Reaction
He is obliquely referring to the execution of Charles I, even though he may have been legitimately overthrown. I wonder what exactly he means by 'superior' and 'inferior'. An idea from another age!