Biography

John Locke was born in England in 1632. He was a teacher, philosopher, and physician. It is his writings and ideas that became the political philosophy of democratic governments. Locke had a direct influence on the American Constitution. Ideas such as natural rights, limited government, and separation of church and state are concepts Locke expounded upon in his works. At a time of monarchs with absolute power, Locke’s idea of shared government was radical. The idea that people had power and a right to share in the governing of them was unheard of. He proposed the “social contract” whereby people would give those governing them some power for protection from other threats to their freedoms but the majority of power would reside with the people being governed. Locke is known as the “Father of Liberalism.” A lifelong bachelor, Locke died in 1704.

Wailand Groenendyk
CCEL Staff Writer