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John Locke is Born
John Locke is born in England in 1632. -
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Locke's Education
After studying philosophy, medicine, law, mathematics and graduating with multiple degrees, Locke became a very important professor at Oxford College. -
Rene Descartes Discourse
Locke reads, "Rene Descartes' Discourse" on the Method and likes what he reads. This work includes the famous quote, "I think, therefore I am." -
Lord Ashely
Anthony Ashley Cooper, an important British politician, meets and befriends Locke. -
Saving Lord Ashely
Locke, who is now Lord Ashley's personal physician, supervises a liver operation that saves Lord Ashley's life. Remarkably, Ashely lives another 15 years. -
Fundamental Constitution of Carolina
Because of Lord Ashley's involvement in the new British colonies, Locke is asked to write the Fundamental Constitution of Carolina. -
Concerning Human Understanding
Locke writes his first draft of the Essay Concerning Human Understanding. In it are ideas on Natural Law partially based on the ideas of others. -
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Social Contract
Locke's begins to write and promote the idea of a Social Contract. He may not be the first with the idea, but his social status will make the idea popular. -
Locke's Revolution against the Government
Locke's ideas about a revolution against the government are linked to a plot to kill the king. Locke flees to Holland. Many people who agreed with him and Lord Ashley were arrested for treason and some are killed -
Locke returnes to England
England's Glorious Revolution; Locke is welcomed by the new king and returns to England. -
Concerning Human Understanding
Essay Concerning Human Understanding by John Locke is published. -
Meeting Newton
Locke and Sir Isaac Newton become friends. -
Two Treatises of Civil Government
"Two Treatises of Civil Government" by John Locke is published. -
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British Board of Trade
Locke is appointed to the British Board of Trade. Even though his health is failing, he is its most influential member. -
John Locke Dies
John Lock dies is 1704. -
Thomas Jefferson Get Ideas From John Locke's Writings
In 1776, Thomas Jefferson uses John Locke's ideas to write the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence.