If We Lose John Locke, We Lose America | 5 Minute Video

Summary

In this Prager University video, Ben Shapiro discusses the influence of 17th-century philosopher John Locke on the American founding, particularly on Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence. Locke's ideas of natural equality, inherent rights, and the purpose of government to protect these rights resonated with the American revolutionaries. Shapiro argues that contemporary challenges to Locke's principles threaten the very foundation of American democracy and calls for a re-embracement of these foundational ideas.

Takeaways

• 📜 Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence was inspired by John Locke's political philosophy.
• ✍️ Jefferson's writing skills are widely admired, but Locke's influence on his ideas is less appreciated today.
• 📚 John Locke, a 17th-century English thinker, argued for the rights of individuals against monarchy.
• 🗽 Locke's key ideas: All men are created equal, rights exist independently of government, and government exists to protect those rights.
• 👑 Locke believed that no person, including kings, was superior to others in terms of fundamental rights.
• ⚖️ Locke argued that freedom is a natural state of humanity, existing before the formation of governments.
• 🏛️ Government's primary purpose, according to Locke, is to protect individuals' freedom and property.
• 🚫 Locke asserted that when a government abuses its power or fails to protect rights, it loses its legitimacy.
• ⚡ Jefferson adapted Locke’s arguments from the Glorious Revolution to justify the American Revolution.
• 🔍 The script argues that modern America has strayed from Locke's vision, with some people favoring government control over individual freedoms.

Q & A

Who are the key figures mentioned in the script that contributed to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence?

The key figures mentioned are John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson, who were involved in reading and shaping the draft of the Declaration of Independence.

What is the significance of John Locke's work in the context of the Declaration of Independence?

John Locke's work, particularly his 'Two Treatises of Government,' provided philosophical underpinnings and inspiration for the Declaration of Independence, influencing its ideas about natural rights and the purpose of government.

What was the political climate in England during the time when John Locke wrote 'Two Treatises of Government'?

The political climate in England was turbulent, having just experienced the 'Glorious Revolution' of 1688, which saw the overthrow of Catholic King James II and the establishment of Protestant King William of Orange.

What was the main purpose of the 'Glorious Revolution' according to John Locke?

The main purpose of the 'Glorious Revolution' was to shift power from the monarch to the people and their elected representatives, ensuring that the laws and liberties belonged to the citizens.

What is the meaning behind the phrase 'No taxation without representation' as mentioned in the script?

The phrase 'No taxation without representation' reflects the American colonists' discontent with being taxed by the English crown and parliament without having a say in the laws being imposed on them.

According to John Locke, what are the three fundamental arguments that support the idea of government?

Locke's three fundamental arguments are: 1) All men are created equal, 2) Certain basic rights exist independent of government, and 3) Government exists to protect those rights.

How does John Locke define the natural state of man?

John Locke defines the natural state of man as being free from any superior power on earth, meaning that freedom is a natural right that pre-exists the formation of government.

What role does property play in John Locke's philosophy regarding government?

In Locke's philosophy, government is also tasked with protecting individuals' property, which includes land and material goods lawfully acquired by individuals, alongside their personal freedoms.

What is the contemporary challenge to John Locke's ideas as presented in the script?

The contemporary challenge to John Locke's ideas includes beliefs that humans are not created equal, that rights are granted by government, and that government should have almost unlimited power, which contrasts with Locke's principles of limited government and individual rights.

Why is it important to reintroduce John Locke's ideas according to the script?

Reintroducing John Locke's ideas is important because they are fundamental to understanding America's history and character, and losing these ideas could lead to losing the essence of what America stands for.