Philosophy
Why John Locke Has Always Inspired Me
His teachings are more relevant than ever.
When I first arrived in Italy, I had a pleasant surprise. When the hotel receptionists looked at my passport with my Locke surname on it, they sometimes asked me:-
“Are you a descendant of the famous philosopher John Locke?”
Truthfully, I answered that as far as I knew I wasn’t and I had never really investigated it. My family was originally from England and moved to Ireland in the 18th century.
The interesting fact for me was that a hotel receptionist would know about John Locke. That was because the history of philosophy is taught in some Italian schools, especially the Classical Licei which are more university oriented.
In Ireland, where I grew up, philosophy was barely mentioned at school and I always felt that was a great gap in our education. Humanities’ studies were limited to religion, art, history, literature, and languages.
When I started teaching English in Italy, having the Locke surname was a great way to introduce myself. As a bonus, my mother’s name was Livingstone (again no relation to Dr. David Livingstone, the great explorer.) It helped me make a “bella figura”, (a good impression.)
In 1971, I won a scholarship to study the American Education system at the University of Delaware. This was organized by the Irish Teachers’ Project. There was a wonderful network of Irish-American connections and we were royally treated.
We were able to meet Senator Ted Kennedy on Capitol Hill and also visit the White House to be graciously greeted by Mrs. Nixon.
Having studied American history and actually been there, I began to take a keen interest in the American Declaration of Independence and the role of Thomas Jefferson. It was also fascinating to discover how he had been influenced by John Locke’s teachings.
Locke believed that life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness should be the pillars of any democratic society. He wrote about this in his Two Treatises of Government. He also wrote about how power comes from the consent of those who are governed. Everyone should be equal and independent.
. “Being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.” ― John Locke, Second Treatise of Government
As I discovered more about John Locke’s writings, many of them have inspired and encouraged me. They are particularly relevant to-day in these turbulent times when our world has come to a full stop.
Power can choke democracy
We have seen innumerable moves by democratic governments to grab power in order to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. How long will it take for these emergency laws and decrees to be repealed? There are worrying examples from France, Hungary, the UK, Italy, and the USA.
President Trump is even convinced that he has absolute powers and talks like an emperor. Luckily, there are constitutional safeguards in place that hopefully will weather the storm.
“When somebody is the president of the United States, the authority is total.”- President Trump
“The great question which, in all ages, has disturbed mankind, and brought on them the greatest part of their mischiefs … has been, not whether be power in the world, nor whence it came, but who should have it.” ― John Locke, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding
Politicians abuse the Christian religion
We have seen countless examples of how politicians have hijacked the Christian religion to gain votes and power. There are examples from Italy and the USA.
John Locke’s admonition sounds eerily up to date for the whole world.
“Whosoever will list himself under the banner of Christ, must, in the first place and above all things, make war upon his own lusts and vices. It is in vain for any man to usurp the name of Christian, without holiness of life, purity of manners, benignity and meekness of spirit.” ― John Locke, Unknown Book 12380837
Why we need to read, think and learn
We are living through an unprecedented crisis where science and medical knowledge can save us from destruction. Yet, we still have world leaders who refuse to use credible and reliable information to help save people’s lives.
A startling example is Boris Johnson who risked his life (and probably many, many others) by ignoring the knowledge and expertise available. He was even proud that he had shaken COVID-19 patients’ hands!
“Few men think, yet all will have opinions. Hence men’s opinions are superficial and confused.” ― John Locke, The Empiricists
“Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.” ― John Locke
A sound mind in a sound body
We are bombarded with messages about how the close links between our physical and mental health are the secret to happiness. This was originally espoused by the ancient Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus (c. 620 B.C.E. — c. 546 B.C.E.)
John Locke also was convinced. It is a great example of ancient wisdom being timeless.
“A sound mind in a sound body, is a short, but full description of a Happy state in this World: he that has these two, has little more to wish for; and he that wants either of them, will be little better for anything else.” ― John Locke
John Locke’s ideas on how governments must protect our basic human rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness have always inspired me.
Humanity is now at a crossroads. Going back to our old ways of inequality, disastrous neglect of the environment, and inadequate health care is not the answer.
Let’s hope we can find a way for a better and safer world for everyone on this planet.