John LockeJohn Locke, (1632-1704) English philosopher and political theorist

John Locke Quote

“Whosoever uses force without Right ... puts himself into a state of War with those, against whom he uses it, and in that state all former Ties are canceled, all other Rights cease, and every one has a Right to defend himself, and to resist the Aggressor.”

John LockeJohn Locke
~ John Locke

Second Treatise On Civil Government 153-54 (Chicago 1955).

Ratings and Comments


Paul, Naples, Utah

The honor of being the most often quoted non-biblical writer actually goes to Baron Montesquieu.

Mike, Norwalk

Force's lawful and legitimate uses with in the parameters here set forth are limited to justice and defense. Law enforcement is an oxymoron. Can one enforce gravity, science, math, fiscal absolutes, or any other natural law ? The answer is a resounding NO ! ! ! 'We The People' are at a state of War with the occupying statist theocracy now infesting this land. An extremely terse list of force without Right by the malignant Aggressor would be: compelled compliance, license, victimless crimes, larceny with impunity (income / property tax, funny money, etc.), and non recognition of inalienable rights (ownership, speech, religion, possession of implements of defense, representation in a body politic, etc., etc., etc.), It is the greatest absurdity to suppose it in the power of one, or any number of men, at the entering into society, to renounce their essential natural rights, or the means of preserving those rights; when the grand end of civil government, from the very nature of its institution, is for the support, protection, and defence of those very rights; the principal of which, as is before observed, are Life, Liberty, and Property. If men, through fear, fraud, or mistake, should in terms renounce or give up any essential natural right, the eternal law of reason and the grand end of society would absolutely vacate such renunciation. The right to freedom being the gift of God Almighty, it is not in the power of man to alienate this gift and voluntarily become a slave. (Samuel Adams, The Rights of the Colonists (1772))

Mark W, Aurora, CO

Thoughts of random police brutality come to mind here. Hussein-Obama worked behind the scenes to militarise cops and issued them training with brutal tactics - then when on-stage he lambasted Law Enforcement Officers, belittled their dignity and authority, then effectively painted a carnival bulls-eye target on them all. When the majority of Good Cops turn a blind eye to the brutality of their minority fellows, We get a situation where society takes license to despise the badge just because it's trashed and tarnished - this puts the bad cops and the entire PD on the same team as the tyrants, in We People's eyes.

E Archer, NYC

Yes, it is war! It is the authoritarians against the responsibilitarians -- the War of Authoritarian Aggression. The authoritarians dictate -- nothing is to be left 'as is.' All is to be defined and redefined, numbered and ordered, then commanded. Being drunk and deluded with power, authoritarians lose touch with reality as they strive for their Utopia. The responsibilitarian does not escape his/her responsibilities -- Nature provides, we need only work in harmony with it, we do not seek power over others, merely the liberty of choosing our own way.

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