Question
“The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which obliges every one: and reason,
which is that law, teaches all mankind, who will but consult it, that being all equal and
independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions… (and)
when his own preservation comes not in competition, ought he, as much as he can, to
preserve the rest of mankind, and may not, unless it be to do justice on an offender, take
away, or impair the life, or what tends to the preservation of the life, the liberty, health, limb, or
goods of another.”
Summarize this excerpt.
How might this document influence Americans during Period 3?
be brief and use simple words.
which is that law, teaches all mankind, who will but consult it, that being all equal and
independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions… (and)
when his own preservation comes not in competition, ought he, as much as he can, to
preserve the rest of mankind, and may not, unless it be to do justice on an offender, take
away, or impair the life, or what tends to the preservation of the life, the liberty, health, limb, or
goods of another.”
Summarize this excerpt.
How might this document influence Americans during Period 3?
be brief and use simple words.
Answers
GPT-5 mini
Summary:
John Locke says that reason shows all people are equal and must not hurt others in their life, health, freedom, or property. People should help preserve others when they can, and may only take away someone’s life, liberty, or goods as just punishment for a crime.
How this influenced Americans in Period 3:
- Gave colonists the idea of natural rights (life, liberty, property) to demand from rulers.
- Used to justify breaking from Britain and making the Declaration of Independence.
- Pushed Americans to create governments that protect rights and limit rulers’ power.
- Shaped laws about fair punishment and protection of property.
John Locke says that reason shows all people are equal and must not hurt others in their life, health, freedom, or property. People should help preserve others when they can, and may only take away someone’s life, liberty, or goods as just punishment for a crime.
How this influenced Americans in Period 3:
- Gave colonists the idea of natural rights (life, liberty, property) to demand from rulers.
- Used to justify breaking from Britain and making the Declaration of Independence.
- Pushed Americans to create governments that protect rights and limit rulers’ power.
- Shaped laws about fair punishment and protection of property.