The Heart Of Locke

" If man in the state of nature be so free, if he be absolute lord of his own person and possessions, equal to the greatest, and subject to nobody, why will he part with his freedom, and subject himself to the dominion and control of any other power? To which it is obvious to answer, that though in the state of nature he hath such right, yet the enjoyment of it is very uncertain, and constantly exposed to the invasions of others. This makes him willing to quit this condition, which, however free, is full of fears and continual dangers, and it is not without reason that he seeks out and is willing to join a society with others, who have a mind to unite, for the mutual preservation of their lives, liberties, which I call by the general name, property. The great and cheif end, therefore, of men's putting themselves under government, is the preservation of their property. "But though men when they enter into society give up the equality, liberty, and power they had in the state of nature onto the hands of society, yet it being only with an intention of everyone the better to preserve himself, his liberty, and property, the power of society can never be supposed to extend further than the common good. And all this to be directed to no other end but the peace, saftey, and public good of the people." I love this