Before reading John Locke I was aware that he was influential on our Founding Fathers and those of the French Revolution, but I was struck by how much they borrowed almost word for word from his writings. They are certainly inspiring and helpful in creating a government. It was also useful in understanding how our government was designed and supposed to work.
I found his words on the dissolution of government pretty relevant to my life today. I have witnessed my government officials doing some of the very things that Locke said are justifications for dissolving our government. He said that one person making a stink doesn't matter. It is not until the actions begin to really affect the lives of many people that anything can and will be done. He claims that people will take a lot and be very inconvenienced before doing anything drastic because change is not something that is easy or always wise (we know what we have, but have no idea what we will get). Seeds are being sown for future problems. I just hope people will see it.
I was also impressed by his words about parental power. Parents have power over their children because children have no reason. They are able to be led about where ever we wish until they learn this. It is better for parents to lead them than to take chances on where strangers, no matter how well meaning, will take them. Children are born free but have no right to exercise it, they are made free by their parent's understanding. Parents have a duty to educate and nourish their children which they cannot escape. This is designed to be a perfect arrangement because children are secure even in the face of chastisement and discipline because parents will not give greater discipline that what is absolutely best for them. This is what ultimately obligates them to always honor them even if they are not longer obligated to obey them. I wish this were still true, if it ever was. There are parents that are harsher and more severe than they need to be for many reasons including immaturity, lack of training, mental illness, extreme stress. These are not excuses because nothing excuses ill treatment of children, but it does happen and it has to be acknowledged so that the same behaviors are not repeated in the next generation.
The first part of parental power is the education of the children and it belongs to the father. When he gives their child's education to others he gives over a great part of the child's duty to obedience to him and his mother, but their honor stays. Another great point is that the duty to parents is separate for each one. Each parent has his or her own claim to obedience and honor. The degree will be different based on the relationship established when young.
There was much more to discuss, but I could have read with more attention and with a pen in hand more often.
