Locke talks about a state of nature because he is trying to explain the natural instinct of humanity (the desire to be part of a group), which will then lead to his explanation on political power. Political power is based on the state of nature. In a state of nature, humanity is very liberal and people can do as they wish. Forming a political union motivates people to leave this state of nature. In a political union, everyone is equal as they are in nature and those elected into office are still viewed in a similar vein as the constitutes. A monarchy or absolutist regime is not established.
In a state of nature, no one has power over another person and everyone is seen as a singular being. This becomes difficult when an event such as a war occurs. If a town operated under the Lockeian principles pertaining to the state of nature, it would be similar to Babel in that there would be a cornucopia of viewpoints. This would make mobilization difficult when dealing with an alternative society. Humanity also tends to step away from this state of nature in order to modernize and better the society in which they live. It is merely impossible to fathom a small nation making progress with so many different viewpoints. Although we, as Americans, have many conflicting views, we still manage to come together during desperate times and form a union. People need to be part of a group and have other beings to associate with in times of need. It is merely impossible to live in a “state of nature” in today’s modern world.
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