§. 123. IF man in the state of Nature be so free as has been said, if he be
absolute lord of his own person and possessions, equal to the greatest and
subject to nobody, why will he part with his freedom, this empire, and subject
himself to the dominion and control of any other power? To which it is obvious
to answer, that though in the state of Nature he hath such a right, yet the
enjoyment of it is very uncertain and constantly exposed to the invasion of
others; for all being kings as much as he, every man his equal, and the greater
part no strict observers of equity and justice, the enjoyment of the property
he has in this state is very unsafe, very insecure. This makes him willing to
quit this condition which, however free, is full of fears and continual
dangers; and it is not without reason that he seeks out and is willing to join
in society with others who are already united, or have a mind to unite for the
mutual preservation of their lives, liberties and estates, which I call by the
general name — property.
