Portret van John Locke

Portret van John Locke

John Locke is also heavily influenced by Machiavelli even though it is less apparent on the surface. Locke states in the Second Treatise that that have to be rules the guide and limit the power of a ruler. This is based off Machiavelli’s political theory that requires limitations to be set on a ruler, because he recognizes the problems of an unchecked ruler (Feasel). Locke then builds off this idea of checks on a ruler and develops his checks and balances system (Feasel). In addition to this idea of checks on the ruling authority or executive branch, Locke builds off Machiavelli’s ideas about private property. Machiavelli recognizes the need of private property and even goes as far to say, “You become hateful ... when you prey on the possessions and the women of your subjects. You should leave both alone.", which emphasises his understanding of the dangers of a leader who steals from the populace (Machiavelli 101). Locke continues off this idea by arguing that states do not have the right to take away private property with equal reimbursement.
Locke’s political thoughts drastically changed the landscape of Europe, which helped increase the privatization trend and urban development throughout Europe. However Locke also uses “property “to mean “life, liberty, and estate”, which he trying to reinforce the idea that an individual has the right to freedom and that the government can’t take that away the individuals rights (Wiesner Hanks 383). This was a revolutionary idea, which provided the foundation of the American and French revolutions. These political thoughts further helped spread other ideas in the enlightenment about freedom. The basis of Machiavelli’s political thought was the basis of the enlightenment and helped set about this new wave of ideas and further developed Europe.

François Morellon La Cave

Morellon La Cave, François. Portret Van John Locke. 1734. Rijksmuseum, Netherlands.

1734

Kneller, Gottfried

Public Domain