Locke

1ok, John (1632-1704), an English philosopher. He was born a Puritan. He was educated at Oxford and later in life he joined the English Church. He received his master's degree in 1658 and three years later he was made a lecturer in Greek rhetoric and philosophy. He was inclined to social life, particularly the society of a select company of witty, pleasant people. In 1667 he attracted the attention of Lord Ashley, Earl of Shaftesbury, a prominent figure at the court of Charles II. Locke removed to London and became Ashley's private secretary. The frequent changes at court during the last years of the Stuart family drove Locke into practical banishment more than once. Four years he spent in France; another considerable period of time was spent in Holland. He returned to England in the wake of William III. Locke's reputation rests on a treatise called an Essay Concerning Human Understanding. He gave it to his publisher in the year 1689, receiving about $150 for the manuscript. It is a careful investigation of the distinction between knowledge and belief, and the consideration of the grounds on which we may rest assured that we really know. In simple language, it is an argument for a reliance upon common sense. He held that, in higher matters, each person should adhere to what to him seems proper, and not take another's word for it. "I can no more know anything by another man's understanding than I can see by another man's eyes. Knowledge is a treasure which cannot be lent or made over to another."