Locke on Human Nature, Abundance, and Value of Land

Within this section of Locke, he never directly states whether human nature is neither good nor evil. In terms of what Locke explains about human nature, he sends mix messages. In many means, Locke approves of the way humans are in their natural state. He agrees that we should have the liberties and equality, which exists in the state of nature, but at the same time, he is frightened by the chaos that can develop. Unfortunately, human nature allows people to be violent toward one another, allowing the other to retaliate and the problem of revenge and violence further escalates. In a perfect society in Locke’s world, a limited government would form that allows one to still have the liberties of human nature while having security and protection. Locke states “to join and unite into a community for their comfortable, safe, and peaceable living, one amongst another, in a secure enjoyment of their properties, and a greater security against any that are not of it. This any number of men may do, because it injures not the freedom of the rest; they are left, as they were, in the liberty of the state of Nature” (Chp. 8). Even though Locke does not straightforwardly answer the question whether human nature is good or bad, he often mentions the importance of not forgetting our natural instincts, especially when it comes to the discussion of money. Locke believes money has corrupted humans and allowed the human kind to be greedy. Although Locke thinks that resources are abundant within the world, due to the use of money we do not use the abundance of resources effectively. Locke says “He was only to look that he used them before they spoiled, else he took more than his share, and robbed others” (Chp. 5). Even though the earth’s resources are abundant, Locke does not believe the earth has inherent value. After humans have cultivated the land it becomes of value according to Locke. Locke simply believes that land that is not labored is wasteland. He clearly states “Land that is left wholly to nature, that hath no improvement of pasturage, tillage, or planting, is called, as indeed it is, waste” (Chp. 5). As one can see, Locke comments on how we should use our natural instincts and the nature around us to expand and live life to the fullest.