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Birth
John Locke is born in England -
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Becomes Professor at Oxford College
After studying philosophy, medicine, law, and mathematics and graduating with multiple degrees Locke becomes a very important professor at Oxford College. -
Reads Rene Descartes' Discourse on the Method
Locke reads Rene Descartes' Discourse on the Method and likes what he reads. This work includes the famous quote "I think, therefore I am". -
Befriending Anthony Ashley Cooper
Anthony Ashley Cooper "Lord Ashley" who is an important British politician meets and befriends Locke. -
Anthony Ashley Cooper's Liver Operation
Locke who is now Lord Ashley's personal physician supervises a liver operation that saves Lord Ashley's life and remarkably he lives another 15 years. -
Asked to Write Fundamental Constitution of Carolina
Because of Lord Ashley's involvement in the new British colonies in America Locke is asked to write the Fundamental Constitution of Carolina . -
First Draft of Essay
Locke writes his first draft of the Essay Concerning Human Understanding, in it are ideas on Natural Law; based partially on the writings of others. -
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Idea of a 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. -
Fleeing
Locke's ideas about revolution against a government are linked to a plot to kill the king. Locke flees to Holland, many that agreed with him and Lord Ashley are arrested for treason and some are killed. -
Returning
England's Glorious Revolution; Locke is welcomed by the new king and returns to England. -
Essay Published
Essay Concerning Human Understanding by John Locke is published. -
Meets Sir Isaac Newton
Locke meets Sir Isaac Newton and they become friends. -
Two Treasities of Civil Government
Two Treatises of Civil Government by John Locke is published. -
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Appointed to British Board
Locke is appointed to the British Board of Trade and even though his health is failing he is its most influential member. -
Death
John Locke dies -
Stolen Ideas
Thomas Jefferson borrows from Locke's ideas to write the Declaration of Independence.