Why do people want to be managed?

John Locke’s considerations have had a profound impact on establishing the modern democracies that we have today. Until his time, there was a general belief in the divine right of the king, which then supported absolute monarchy. Locke, then, highlights the importance of separation of power and defines constitutional monarchy as providing some restrictions and limits to the government's power. He also shows how property issues matter for people to put themselves under the state. In this blog, the main reasons apart from property that led people to give their freedom will be examined. It will also address the need for a strong system to check the power of the representatives in the state and whether Locke's ideas are applicable today.

The main reason why people subjugate themselves under government is not solely to protect property but for much more than that. While Locke points out that "The great and chief end, therefore, of men's uniting into commonwealths, and putting themselves under government, is the preservation of their property…" (Locke) there are deeper, more innate motivations for being together. By nature, human wants to live together because they cannot live alone and this is not a matter of choice. We may all be equal but the equality mentioned here is only in terms of having the same rights. Every person has unique innate abilities and predispositions that we learn about as we mature and develop. These characteristics set us apart from one another and make us extremely remarkable. For instance, although one of us is skilled in woodwork and can create tables and chairs, another one of us is an expert in agriculture and can grow fruits and vegetables in the finest way possible. In fact, professions emerged in this way. Furthermore, sharing is an inescapable part of human nature. A person wishes to share with others a kind deed, a joyful experience, or circumstances that brought him great sorrow. People want someone to observe their life, and share their experiences, which is actually why marriage exists. The urge and the importance of share is such a strong desire that if a person cannot find anyone around him, he tries to meet his need for sharing by talking with God or spending time with animals. Thus, cohabitation is necessary for a pleasant and balanced existence, and this is a genuine desire that takes precedence over property preservation.

Secondly, a state's existence alone cannot be enough authority to defend rights. Looking back in time, it is seen that despite the many systems of governance that exist in various states, human rights protection remains a concern. This indicates that the state’s existence is insufficient to address this issue. As stated by Locke: "The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which obliges every one," (Locke) it is implied that the mere existence of a state is insufficient to power to uphold rights. This is primarily due to two factors: preserving power and being terrified of it. Imagine, if we live in a nation where democracy is the norm. Voters in this system select the candidate they believe will best represent their interests. The candidate might not be able to manage the authority he gains after being elected, even if he first makes a lot of promises and stands by strong ideals. Self-interest may take precedence over the common good in these kinds of situations. He might make poor decisions that hurt a lot of people if he is unable to control them in this scenario. Conversely, candidates can submit to the authority of a more senior candidate in this system and follow his interactions out of fear. Or the fear of the power of those in authority may prevent the populace from speaking out against injustices. Although Locke said that people had a right to rebel and change the government in such situations (Locke), in reality, this was not very practical. In many protests, people have been unjustly arrested injured, or even killed. Today sometimes people mentioned in such actions may not be hired. All of them are the outcome of the state establishing an empire of fear after seizing power in the name of justice. Therefore, the solution for the “preservation of lives, liberty and estate” (Locke) is the create a very good system. Not just for the legal system but also for many areas such as education and health, there needs to be a power structure that is superior to the authority of the individuals in charge. In this context, although Locke’s attitude towards monarchy seems to be dangerous to the principles of equality, the view that there is no absolute power in governments, there are certain restrictions and these are determined by laws (Locke) is a correct approach.

Therefore, considering all these states of nature is not a situation that people are in, it is a situation that exists within people. That’s why danger is always a possibility, regardless of how well the nation or management approaches it. A sound state and management strategy are only able to lessen the risk – it cannot completely eradicate it. Do those who hold the belief that all individuals are created equal, for instance, truly treat all people equally? Or do we ever treat someone unfairly in an effort to satisfy our own needs and wants? In reality, all of these are concealed in man’s capacity for self-management. Silencing the voice of the beast within us is the only way to break free from the state of nature and in order for us live together peacefully.

Resource

Locke, John. Second Treatise of Government. Ed. C. B. Macpherson. Hackett Publish, n.d.