"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? __ 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: __ the enjoyment of the property he has in this state is very unsafe, very unsecure. This makes him __ willing to join in society with others, who are already united. to have a mind to unite, for the mutual preservation of their lives, liberties and estates, which I call by the general name, property." - John Locke, Two Treatises of Government According to John Locke, what is the purpose of the social contract? The government provides national security in exchange for individuals' life, liberty, and property. In exchange for the protection of their natural rights, individuals give up their private property Human nature cannot be trusted, so any government is better than anarchy. Individuals give up some freedom to form a government that protects their property.