John Locke, the influential philosopher and physician, lived a life full of adventure and political turmoil.
Born in Somerset, England in 1632, Locke grew up in a rural house near Bristol and attended the famous Westminster School in London. He studied at Oxford University and later lived in France before returning to England during troubled times.
Due to his close association with a friend who was tried for treason, Locke fled to Holland where he stayed until the Bloodless Revolution. Eventually, he retired to Oates in Essex where he spent the rest of his life.
In this article, we will explore where John Locke lived most of his life and the impact his experiences had on his philosophical and political writings.
Where Did John Locke Live Most Of His Life
John Locke lived most of his life in various parts of England. He spent his childhood near Bristol and later studied at Oxford University. After completing his education, he lived in London and had many prominent friends who were nobles in government and highly respected scholars of the times.
Locke also lived in France for a while before returning to England during troubled times. He fled to Holland in 1683 due to his close association with a friend who was tried for treason. Locke stayed in Holland until the Bloodless Revolution, which saw William and Mary invited to retake the reign of England.
After the revolution, Locke returned to England but eventually retired to Oates in Essex where he spent the rest of his life. It was during this time that he wrote some of his most influential works, including “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding” and “Two Treatises of Government.”
Early Life And Education
John Locke was born in Somerset, England on August 29, 1632. His parents were Puritans and his father was a prominent country lawyer who also served as a captain of cavalry for the Parliamentarian forces during the early part of the English Civil War. Locke spent his childhood in a rural Tudor house in Belluton, Somerset before attending the prestigious Westminster School in London at the age of 16.
After completing his studies at Westminster, Locke was admitted to Christ Church, University of Oxford in 1652 at the age of 20. Although a capable student, he found the undergraduate curriculum at Oxford dull and unstimulating. He was more interested in the works of modern philosophers such as Francis Bacon and Rene Descartes than the classical material taught at the university. Through his friend Richard Lower, whom he knew from Westminster School, Locke was introduced to medicine and the experimental philosophy being pursued at other universities and in the Royal Society, of which he eventually became a member.
Locke graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1656 and a master’s degree in 1658 from Oxford. He also obtained a bachelor of medicine degree in 1674 after studying extensively during his time at Oxford and working with such noted scientists and thinkers as Robert Boyle, Thomas Willis, and Robert Hooke. During his time at Oxford, Locke made contact with some advocates of the new science, including Bishop John Wilkins, Christopher Wren, and Richard Lower. Most important of all was his collaboration with Robert Boyle on important medical research on human blood.
Time In France And Return To England
During his lifetime, John Locke also spent some time living in France. He traveled to France for health reasons and stayed there for a few years before returning to England during a time of political turmoil. When he returned, his friend, the Earl of Shaftesbury, was tried for treason, and although he was acquitted, he still decided to flee England to escape further persecution. Due to his close association with the Earl, Locke also fled to Holland in 1683.
Locke stayed in Holland until the Bloodless Revolution in 1688, which saw William and Mary invited to retake the reign of England. After the revolution, Locke returned to England and continued to write influential works on philosophy and politics. However, he eventually retired to Oates in Essex where he spent the rest of his life until his death in 1704. It was during this time that he wrote some of his most important works, including “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding” and “Two Treatises of Government.”
Exile In Holland
During his time in Holland, John Locke lived in relative safety but was still under constant surveillance by the English government. He continued to correspond with his friends in England and remained engaged in political and intellectual discussions.
Locke’s exile in Holland was a period of great productivity for him. He wrote several works during this time, including “A Letter Concerning Toleration” and “Some Thoughts Concerning Education.” He also worked on revising his “Essay Concerning Human Understanding” and wrote a number of essays on various topics.
While in Holland, Locke also became involved with the Dutch East India Company and invested in a number of ventures. He was able to travel throughout Europe and meet with other intellectuals, including the philosopher Pierre Bayle.
Despite his success and productivity during his exile, Locke remained homesick for England. He longed to return to his homeland and be reunited with his friends and family. His wish was eventually granted with the Bloodless Revolution, which allowed him to return to England and resume his life’s work.
Retirement To Oates In Essex
Locke’s retirement to Oates in Essex marked a significant period in his life. Although he suffered from asthma attacks during this time, he continued to be an intellectual hero of the Whigs and discussed matters with prominent figures such as John Dryden and Isaac Newton.
Living in Oates also allowed Locke to focus on his writing and ideas. It was during this time that he wrote his famous works on philosophy and politics which would go on to influence the American Revolution and the U.S. Constitution.
Locke’s retirement to Oates in Essex was a time of great productivity for him, despite his health issues. It allowed him to focus on his intellectual pursuits and contribute significantly to the fields of philosophy and politics.
The Impact Of Locke’s Life Experiences On His Philosophy And Politics
John Locke’s life experiences greatly impacted his philosophy and politics. His exposure to different people, cultures, and political systems shaped his views on individual rights, government, and the role of the state in society.
Locke’s time in London allowed him to witness firsthand the power struggles between the monarchy and parliament. This experience influenced his belief in the importance of limiting government power and the need for a separation of powers. His association with prominent scholars and nobles also gave him insight into the workings of government and the importance of individual rights.
His time in Holland was also significant as he was exposed to a society that valued religious tolerance and individual freedom. This experience had a profound impact on his views on religious toleration, which he believed was essential for a peaceful and just society.
Finally, his retirement to Oates in Essex allowed him to focus on his writing and develop his political philosophy. It was during this time that he wrote “Two Treatises of Government,” which greatly influenced the American Revolution and the United States Constitution.
In conclusion, John Locke’s life experiences played a crucial role in shaping his political philosophy. His exposure to different cultures, political systems, and individuals gave him a unique perspective on individual rights, government, and society.
