John locke, an enlightenment-era philosopher, influenced the american movement for independence. locke believed that all people were entitled to natural rights. which quotation from the preamble to the declaration of independence refers to natural rights? “governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” “[i]t is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security.” “[t]hey are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

The Preamble quote that most specifically refers to natural rights:  "[T]hey are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

John Locke was one of the first of the Enlightenment era philosophers.  The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason was in contrast to superstition and traditional beliefs.  The Scientific Revolution had shown that there are natural laws in place in the physical world and in the universe at large.  Applying similar principles to matters like government and society, using reason will guide us to the best ways to operate politically so as to create the most beneficial conditions for society.  This included a conviction that all human beings have certain natural rights which are to be protected and preserved.    Locke's ideal was one that promoted individual freedom and equal rights and opportunity for all.  Each individual's well-being (life, health, liberty, possessions) should be served by the way government and society are arranged.

They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Further Explanation:

Majority of the scholars in Today’s era believed that Thomas Jefferson took most of his ideas in the declaration of Independence from the writing of famous English Philosopher, John Locke. John Locke was the one who wrote the Second treatise of government in year 1689 during the time of Glorious revolution that took place in England.  

John Locke wrote that every individual is equal to each other and everyone is born with inalienable natural rights. These are the rights that are given by the god and no can take them or give them away. Along with these fundamental rights, Locke also said that a person has right to liberty, property and life. Locke was the first of the scholars who believed that most basic human law of nature is the preservation of mankind and in order to serve that purpose he gave a reason that individuals have right as well as it is their duty to preserve their own lives.  

Learn More:

1. How many states had to vote for the constitution to approve it?

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2. During his trip to the United States, Alexis de Tocqueville observed that Americans.

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Answer Details:

Grade: High School

Chapter: John Locke

Subject: History

Keywords: John Locke, Jefferson, Preserve, Mankind, Individuals, Life, Liberty, Property, Philosopher, Glorious Revolution, Government.  

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