Two Treatises of Government

By: John Locke

Narrated by: James Langton

Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Often considered the foundation of political liberalism, John Locke's Two Treatises of Government was first published anonymously in 1689, in the wake of England's Glorious Revolution. In The First Treatise of Government, Locke refutes the idea of divine monarchy, while The Second Treatise of Government articulates Locke's philosophy of government, which he based upon his theories of natural rights and the social contract. In Locke's view, governments' legitimacy is based upon their performance of their proper functions---preservation of the life, liberty, and property rights of their citizens, and protection from those who seek to violate these rights. A radical doctrine at the time of its publication, Locke's theories provided a philosophical basis for many of the principles behind the American Revolution. More than 300 years after the publication of the Two Treatises of Government, Locke's ideas continue to spark debate. A must-listen for anyone interested in the foundations of contemporary political ideology, Locke's hugely influential work will retain its relevance for generations to come.

Public Domain (P)2011 Tantor

Essential for the understanding of America

Foundational work on how governments DID and correctly SHOULD function. A bedrock to modern America

A must read for every voter

This book provides you with an understanding of the relationship of government and its citizens. It is foundational knowledge for all those who will be participating in our republic. I pray that we teach this in our civics clases.

Required for understanding our government

if you really want to understand the basis of the government of the United States this is the book to listen to.

What is government and why do we have it?

If you want to understand why the constitution of the United States is written the way that it is, then I highly recommend that you read this book and understand John Locke's works and philosophies. People are confused in today's time about the role of government amongst the people, and John Locke's works are the fundamental basis in defining what that means.

Excellent, both Locke's work and Langton's voice

It takes a few moments to calibrate your mind to the no-longer-common language, however it quickly becomes as comprehensible as any

Mind Opening Words

Locke's refutation of Monarchical and Patriarchal rule and emphasis on Natural Law and how Civil Society was formed by abandoning absolute individual sovereignty in order that all may enjoy their own property is a fascinating concept.

Beating a Dead Horse to make it gallop

Locke beats a dead horse in the first one. It was almost intolerable. I had to listen at 1.5 speed to get through it. However, the narrator did a wonderful job throughout. It was clear and understandable, even at 1.5 speed. Locke brings it home in the second one. More relevant now than ever!

Don't let the title scare you off!

What did you love best about Two Treatises of Government?

I discovered that John Locke has a wonderful sense of humor!

What other book might you compare Two Treatises of Government to and why?

There are so many books that draw from this book for their material. Most "conservative" books quote from this one several times in order to make their case for limited government.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes, but it is a lot of information to take in all at once so it took me a couple weeks to get through and process what I learned.

Excellent Narration, Foundational Text

First, I must say that this narrator is easier to follow than simply reading the text, so good is his reading.

The text itself is a very medieval thing, like all early modern works of political thought, but also a very contemporary thing, as all pieces of well-considered literature are when they bear upon perennial issues. Worth several listens, and a lifetime of pondering.

Sir Robert BTFO

Mr. Locke the absolute mad lad demolishes the arguments made by Sir Robert filmer in Patriarcha.