From the beginning of time, philosophers, politicians and otherwise concerned people have thought about the nature and structure of government. Few have been as influential as John Locke. Among the many who have influenced the course of history in general and the formation of The United States of America, none has had a greater part than John Locke. Locke's presentation of Natural Law supposes that social structures left to themselves will be better than those controlled by intrusive government. He proposes that nature has a way of doing things that is based on principles - the laws of...

The year is 1690 and the respected philosopher and theologian sets down to deal with the thoughts and conflicts of the day. Those issues are many and the conflict broad and opposing positions are firmly held. Locke sets out to cut through the popular chatter and to think through the volume of consideration in the quest of truth. He is not unsuited to the task, but for one man to make an impact on a generation, on a country and on history is a dubious task for anyone. But as he sets and thinks and writes, somehow the detail and interconnectedness of his reasoning builds a context which will in...