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

John Locke Quote

“If the innocent honest Man must quietly quit all he has for Peace sake, to him who will lay violent hands upon it, I desire it may be considered what kind of Peace there will be in the World, which consists only in Violence and Rapine; and which is to be maintained only for the benefit of Robbers and Oppressors.”

John LockeJohn Locke
~ John Locke

Second Treatise of Civil Government [1690], #228 (Lasslet Edition, Cambridge University Press, 1960), p. 465

Ratings and Comments


Richard, Knoxville

Peace and freedom, are two words which unbeknowestly to average man bring with them hidden shackles and chains which the government bind and slacken according to their own will.

E Archer, NYC

Live free or die.

Joe, Rochester, MI

Robbers and oppressors? Criminals and government!

Anonymous, Reston, VA US

Robbers and oppressors? Robber barrons and the radical religious right (of every religion)! (And yes, those robber barrons are all criminals and the US based radical religious right has taken over the government.)

Mike, Norwalk
  • Reply
Mike, Norwalk Anonymous, Reston, VA US 8/5/20

The "A" from Reston, how about the radical religious left (Antifa, BLM, etc.)! ???  And yes, those robber barons are all criminals and the US based radical religious left (communists, fascists, progressives, socialists, collectivists, malignant malefactors all) has taken over the government.

David L. Rosenthal, Hollywood

You are all looking quite well - for slaves.

Ken, Allyn, WA

Who are the robbers and oppressors today? Is it liberal or conservative local governments that are using eminent domain to take land from people to give to developers for increased tax revinue? If you look you'll see they are so-called "liberals". It is also liberal governments which enact land use laws and regulations which render once usable land worthless. Liberals use government to oppress the little man much more often than conservatives. In fact, I don't recall ever being oppressed by anyone other than a liberal. Liberals, of course, only rob us for our own good so I guess it's OK.

Robert, St. Emilion, France

There is no such thing as freedom.... great quote....

Ronw13, Yachats Or

" To him who will Lay violent hands upon it " the innocent honest man who holds his integrity paramount. I go before the court very soon, as a stranger, in a land where there is no fear of God before their eyes. I find my self not able to quietly give up for the sake of their so called peace. The unjust law, that wishes to strip the innocence and honesty from you. For the sake of superficial peace, while derelict, contentious, spiteful, inordinately affectionate people thrive in a way of life totally self destructive by nature. Beating down emotionally all that is honest and true. I can only pray, that through God's Devine Providence, he will raise up allies that will come to my defense. This quote is a living manifestation in my life. Semper Fi. Amen

Mike, Norwalk

Ron13, not knowing for what reason you go before the high priests of despotism (cloaked in robs of their dark priesthood) please know you go with prayers from someone who has been there.

E Archer, NYC

Ron, I, too, wish you well in court. My suggestion, go for the insanity plea -- unless you can make an intelligible argument on subject matter jurisdiction and how you are NOT within their jurisdiction, your fate is generally predetermined by the system itself.

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