John+Locke's+Biography

//**__John Locke __**// I was born August 29, 1632 in Wrington, Somerset, England. I was raised as a small child in Pensford, England, and at the age of 14 I was sent to Westminster School Because of my academic potential. After years of very unpleasant teachings, I eventually went to the University of Oxford when I was 20. I graduated in the year 1656 with a bachelor’s degree and two years after that I earned my masters. In 1666 I ran into Lord Ashley who later became the Earl of Shaftesbury, that is when my career took a turn. I assisted The Earl of Shaftesbury with business, political, and domestic matters and later became his secretary when he was made Lord Chancellor. I always helped him until he lost his title in 1675. The government thought of me as challenging the king with my ideas of freedom of religion and individual rights. So in 1682 the put me in exile which conveniently let me finish my famous piece of literature called An Essay Concerning Human Understanding which was greatly influenced by Descartes. After that I returned to England rather permanently in 1687, I continued my normal course in life. I had several offers for positions of power, but only accepted the manageable duty as the Commissioner of Appeals and I dedicated the rest of my time to my writings and ideas. With the years to follow many important pieces of mine were introduced, like the Letter Concerning Toleration, Two Treatises on Civil Government, the Essay, and the Thoughts on Education. After a long life I finally retired to the Oates Manor in Essex in 1691 for reasons mostly related to my health. But still, as I was retired I worked on many pieces of writing like the Essay I even came out with 2nd, 3rd, and 4th editions of it. Many other writings occupied my time, including my letters written to my old friend Sir Isaac Newton. Reluctantly, around the time of 1696, I accepted a position as one of the commissioners on trade and plantations. The job consumed all my time spent in London from the years 1696 to 1700 until I resigned because of my illnesses. I spent the rest of my years at the Oates Manor with literature and my own writings. As far as I know I passed away on October 28, 1704 while writing a Fourth Letter on Toleration. I was buried at High Laver Church near my home. "Brief Biography of John Locke (1632-1704)." Civilization Defined and Explained in Plain English. Web. 21 Sept. 2010. [].

Hayes, Brian J. "John Locke Biography Philosophy." Faith vs Reason Debate Wisdom Spiritual Insights Quotations Quotes Aldous Huxley Perennial Philosophy. May 2000. Web. 21 Sept. 2010. .

Rogers, Graham A.J. "John Locke Biography." Biography.com. Web. 21 Sept. 2010. [].