John Locke, (1632-1704) English philosopher and political theorist Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page John Locke Quote “The people cannot delegate to government the power to do anything which would be unlawful for them to do themselves.”John Locke ~ John Locke (1632-1704) English philosopher and political theorist Power , Constitution , Government , Responsibility , Self-Determination , Law , Justice Ratings and Comments 2 Reply Mike, Norwalk 8/27/13 We hold this truth to be self evident ! ! ! I can not delegate that which I do not have. Mob rule (democracy / progressive - collectivism / etc.) are criminal exploits. Reply Mary - MI 8/27/13 1 Reply James Wermuth, Newport, RI 8/27/13 Locke, is one of my favorite early-enlightened, physicians/ philosophers. the 17th c. was an interesting, formative period rich in discourse, communications, and social experimentation. While Locke was extensively selfish, not willing to extend his earlier beliefs to support western culture, he endures as a diminutive but successful social thinker. I believe that Francis Bacon, Thomas Hobbes, and John Clarke were far more successful in uniting effective benevolent ideas with a culture drenched in shock and opportunity. Reply Craig, Salt Lake City 8/27/13 1 Reply E Archer, NYC 8/28/13 This needs to be written in stone in government charters -- and the people need to be reminded of this repeatedly. 2 Reply E Archer, NYC E Archer, NYC 5/15/19 This really should be in the Preamble of the Constitution. Reply Ronw13, Oregon 5/15/19 Reply Mary, MI 5/15/19 SaveOk2 SaveOk2 View CommentsClick to view or comment. Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print This John Locke quote is found in these categories: Power quotes Constitution quotes Government quotes Responsibility quotes Self-Determination quotes Law quotes Justice quotes About John Locke Bio of John Locke Quotations by John Locke Books by/about John Locke John Locke videos John Locke on Wikipedia Astrological chart for John Locke