Like many great philosophers during this time, John Locke's ideas dropped a bomb on people's minds and even effects our very thoughts of today. Locke's ideas were based around the idea that man is originally born into nature with certain unalienable rights. These rights included life liberty and property. The only difference between Locke and many other philosophers is that his beliefs still exist today and are still put into action largely in government documents such as the Declaration of Independence.
Not only are Locke's ideas supported by numerous people throughout the world, but they play a key role in the rules of the declaration of independence. The beginning of the Declaration describes the natural rights of man as Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness which is very similar to Locke's Life, Liberty, and Property. His ideas also gave the colonies permission to revolt as the British government was corrupt and broke the natural rights, thus giving the colonies the right to revolt to abolish it. Under the rules of natural rights, the British king was a complete tyrant, passing laws without consent, taxing without consent, invading our homes, and eradicating the power of the colonies. In general, he was in no way protecting the rights of the people.
Locke's ideas did not only represent the revolution from the British but it set an outline for the upcoming government which was to be created after the revolt. Thomas Jefferson describes the creation of a republic which would better support the people. Under Locke's ideas, the people, their rights, and their ideas were the supreme power in the government. The laws were designed by the people and for the people and the majority rule had the right to overthrow a government not protecting natural rights.
John Locke influenced almost the complete purpose of the declaration of independence although he had died nearly 70 years before it was created.
