Question

How was Thomas Jefferson influenced by Locke?

Answer 1

Hint: Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the USA (United States of America) while John Locke was an English philosopher. Both were visionary and philosophical thinkers who believed in the ideologies from the Enlightenment period. Jefferson was highly influenced by John Locke's social contract theory that created a huge impact on the declaration of Independence.

Complete answer:
Jefferson was influenced by John Locke’s philosophy of freedom, government, and natural rights that challenged the power of England’s monarchy in Europe over the colonies in America. Locke's ideology of a government that benefits all of society and the people of that society was followed by Jefferson. Both of them believed in a supreme entity. They believed that God didn't pick the rulers. They expected mankind to support itself rather than act helplessly before an overlord. This view runs entirely through Jefferson's political practices. Jefferson's declaration of independence shows clear evidence of the influence of Locke's writing on the ideas of slavery, representation, and self-rule. He states that all mankind is equal and independent and no one can harm another in his health, liberty, life, and possessions.

Note: The declaration of Independence and other writings by Thomas Jefferson was influenced by Locke's writings. Most of the things mentioned in the declaration were purely extracted (mostly plagiarized) from Locke's writings. Philosophical ideas mentioned in the declaration, like "all men are created equal and are endowed by their creator" are evident enough to know that the Declaration of Independence was highly influenced by Locke’s social contract theory. These facts clearly state that Thomas Jefferson was highly influenced by John Locke.