Locke (Julian Wu)

Hello, my name is John Locke and I am an English man. I was born on August 29th, 1632 and died on October 28th 1704. My work as an Enlightenment thinker influenced many other people, including other Enlightenment thinkers, such as Rousseau and Voltaire. Well, first let me tell you a little bit about myself. I was born in a small village named Wrington, in a county named Somerset. My parents were Puritans, so I was raised to think like an English Protestant. Thanks to my father, also named John Locke, and his connection to the English government, I received a wonderful education. My mom was named Agnes Locke. She was born in the same village as I was. When I was 15, I enrolled at Westminster School in London, where I earned the honor of being named a "King's Scholar." 5 years later, I acquired the opportunity to attend Christ Church, one of the most prestigious schools in Oxford. Throughout the rest of my life, I met one of the most important people I would ever know. Lord Ashley, or also known as Earl of Shaftsbury. This man influenced my life in many ways. He told me to move to London. My works have all been influenced by him. His idea on rule and government always stayed in my head. My general belief is that everyone deserves the right to liberty, life, and property. Our government was chosen by our people to serve them, so it is the government's responsibility to protect and serve its people. I also think that checks and balances are an important part to prevent tyranny. It allows for a 3-part system in the government where no one will obtain too much power and keep an equal balance. As I have said before, "All mankind... being equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions." Everyone has natural rights, immediately put into action when they are born. I hope people strive to follow these standards, and continue to make life as "right" as possible.