John Locke Quote - Liberty Quotes Blog

"The people cannot delegate to government the power to do
anything which would be unlawful for them to do themselves."

by:	John Locke (1632-1704) English philosopher and political theorist
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Categories:	Power, Constitution, Government, Responsibility, Self-Determination, Law, Justice
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Reader comments about this quote:

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. -- Mike, Norwalk 2
-- Mary - MI
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. -- James Wermuth, Newport, RI 1
-- Craig, Salt Lake City
This needs to be written in stone in government charters -- and the people need to be reminded of this repeatedly. -- E Archer, NYC 1
-- Ronw13, Oregon
This really should be in the Preamble of the Constitution. -- E Archer, NYC 2
-- Mary, MI