John Locke (1632-1704) was an influential Enlightenment philosopher. He was one of the first thinkers to promote liberal ideals. The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution both draw from his work on social contracts and government. Locke emphasized the importance of distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate functions of institutions, including the use of force. Unlike Hobbes, Locke believed that the state of nature is civil, grounded in liberty, and distinct from the state of war. In the state of nature, all people have the right to "life, health, liberty, or possessions," and are free to go through life in any way they please. However, the state of nature is absent of any civil authority. Thus, people must often forgo the state of nature and form a civil authority, or government, in order to avoid war and maintain their rights. Locke was against authoritarianism, and believed strongly in a government that represented the people.
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