John Locke
Originally from Wrington, John Locke rose to become one of the most recognized Politicians from Kingdom Of England.
English philosopher and physician (1632–1704)
"The publication of "Two Treatises of Government" in 1689, shortly after the Glorious Revolution, established him as a foundational political theorist." — About John Locke
| Metric | John Locke | Avg Politician | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 72 | 70 | +2 yrs |
| Career length | 54 yrs | ~35 yrs | +19 yrs |
| Based on 39 Politician profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about John Locke
Did you know that John Locke's groundbreaking philosophical work, "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding," took him nearly two decades to complete and publish?
- He served as a physician and secretary to Anthony Ashley Cooper, the 1st Earl of Shaftesbury, a leading Whig politician.
- Locke performed surgery, including assisting in a successful operation to remove a large liver cyst from Lord Shaftesbury.
- He lived in exile in the Netherlands for five years (1683-1689) due to his close association with Shaftesbury and suspicion of treason.
- His major philosophical works were initially published anonymously to avoid political repercussions and ensure wider acceptance.
- Locke was a strong advocate for religious toleration, though he excluded atheists and Catholics from full toleration in some writings.
The publication of "Two Treatises of Government" in 1689, shortly after the Glorious Revolution, established him as a foundational political theorist. This work eloquently argued for government by consent, natural rights to life, liberty, and property, and the right of revolution against tyrannical rule, profoundly shaping liberal democracy.
Locke's ideas on empiricism, natural rights, and the social contract laid the groundwork for the Enlightenment and deeply influenced the American and French Revolutions. His philosophy continues to be a cornerstone of modern political and educational thought.