[quote=JM
John Locke was the one of the most influential English philosophers. His writings on "natural rights" were a major influence on the Founding Fathers.
"Natural rights are universal rights that are seen as inherent in the nature of people and not contingent on human actions or beliefs."[/quote]
JM - This quote from Locke does reflect a source for the thinking of important individuals among the Founding Fathers. But it doesn't answer the question Jack M. and I both asked. Although this idea of natural rights is associated with an Age of Enlightenment, I think it has lots in common with the later Romantics - ecstasy excepted - and doesn't stand up to a clear-eyed look at human behavior and history.
Last edited by Gunflint Charlie; 02/28/07 08:58 PM.
