John Adams by David McCullough

JOHN ADAMS
David McCullough
Published 2001
American Biography
The Gentle Challenge: (Book Recommendation)

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When I joined Silva's Gentle (reading) Challenge, my goal was to fit more of my un-reads into specific categories. One of the categories was a book recommendation (or a book you would read because you trusted the word of others). 

John Adams by David McCullough has been on my un-read list for a decade or more. A book blogger I admire recommended this book; but, in fact, she was not the only one who gave it excellent reviews. Therefore, I trusted these opinions. 

I am excited to announce that it was absolutely worth it, and they were correct. I am so grateful that I finally read this book.

Frankly, I do not know where to start or what to say about this epic narrative, except to begin with an emotional response. 

I embrace this book fervently and will add it to my personal canon. It was pleasantly written, exceptionally well done, and absolutely enjoyable. I often imagined that I was transported back to the 1700s and lived through every moment. I walked away with an appreciation for what these men (and women) did to form a new government based on the ideas of self-government and personal liberty and freedom, even if we "could[n't] keep it." 

McCullough's writing style was intelligible, concise, and delightful. He included an abundance of supporting evidence from correspondence, newspaper articles, books, and diaries (sadly, a lost art). If a written work supported a statement or idea, it was included. I do not think he left anything out. Often, I was amazed at how much written correspondence took place, and McCullough used many sources to cross reference who said what and when and where just to piece this history back together. 

By the way, this story was not only about John Adams, although it was very much about him; it was a window into the heart and soul of his faithful, intelligent wife, Abigail, and fellow compatriots, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Rush, and many others. 

I was not aware of the degree Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson and some others disapproved of and betrayed Adams, and that Vice President Jefferson, in my opinion, may have committed treason under Adams during his presidency. Scandalous! (Reminds me of Mike Pence and Donald Trump. There is nothing new under the sun.)

I enjoyed the relationship between Adams and his wife, a beautiful, faithful couple, faithful to God and to one another through long periods of separation. Abigail was an excellent partner and helper, encouraging her husband in honorable pursuits. She was a well-educated and well-rounded woman, a protective mother, and a patriot. Both Abigail and John were of one mind on many moral, ethical, and  political perspectives. They had a model union, as is evident from their written correspondence. Mr. Adams absolutely adored his wife, and I can see why.

McCollough presented a genuine and true character analysis of Adams. Of course, he was not a perfect personality, while grievances about him were probably warranted. But he was an admirable, fair, and trustworthy man. Most notably, his relationship with Jefferson later in life was charming, and their collection of letters to one another was and still is inspiring of reconciliation and friendship. 

I especially appreciated the sections on Adams' love for books and reading, which actually contended with Jefferson's obsession with books. 

Unlike Jefferson, who seldom marked a book, and then only faintly in pencil, Adams, pen in hand, loved to add his comments in the margins. It was part of the joy of reading for him, to have something to say himself, to talk back to, agree or take issue with, Rousseau, Condorcet, Turgot, Mary Wollstonecraft, Adam Smith, or Joseph Priestley. "That is no doubt that people are in the long run what the government makes out of them...," Adams read in Rousseau. "The government ought to be what the people make it," he wrote in response. (LOL!)

Adams was guilty of defacing books while reading and once wrote 12,000 notes and comments in one book alone! He read French Revolution by Wollstonecraft twice "with delight" because he disagreed with almost everything she said. Adams and Jefferson "were two of the greatest book lovers of their bookish generation." Adams owned over 3,200 books and Jefferson, before he sold them, owned (if I remember correctly) over 5,000. Yikes!

John Adams by John Singleton Copley, 1784

Other adventures experienced in this chunk of history included Adams' overseas life in France and England; the terrible French Revolution, whose outcome Adams predicted; the provocation of America by the French and British; the ongoing issue with slavery; the complications with disease; and the nasty disputes among men like Thomas Paine, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr. How many times did I scribble in the margins: There's nothing new under the sun.

This is only a small fraction of what I went through. The biography is over 650 pages, with an impressive bibliography. The pages are full of memorable quotes and passages. (I had to stop writing them down while reading, though I plan to return to the book and collect them.) This work is chronologically written, beginning in the early 1770s, the eve of the American Revolution, until right after Adams' death, July 4, 1826, just a few hours after his friend Thomas Jefferson died. Adams was 90 years old. 

WHO WANTS TO READ THIS?

Obviously, if you like: 

• biographies, 
• biographies about U.S. presidents, 
• histories, 
• American history (particularly early American History), 
• books about war or Revolutionary war histories, 
• political science or government systems 
• (or want to witness the birth of man's best attempt at good government ever), 
• stories about brilliant minds together in one time or place, 
• and love stories -- yes, love stories! 

...then this is your next book.

THE GENTLE CHALLENGE

 

Covid Operation : What Happened, Why It Happened, and What's Next by Pamela Popper / Shane Prier

 

Covid Operation : What Happened, Why It Happened, and What's Next

Pamela Popper / Shane Prier

Published 2020

⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you figured things out a long time ago, then great! But for those only now questioning the truth, good; this is a book to start with if you want to know more. 

Covid Operation is cohesively organized, sensibly written, and well documented with supporting evidence at the end of each chapter. The title and subtitle tell you exactly what to expect. It is a quick, easy read about the origins, the players, the purposes, the consequences, and the possibilities beyond. In addition, personal stories (often heart breaking) are included in the "Consequences" chapter. 

Covid Operation was written and released in August 2020. Popper suspected early on that the numbers of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths did not justify lockdowns, restrictions, or masks, and she spoke out about it immediately. I cannot remember  how I discovered Pam's show, but it was early 2020. I found her short videos on YouTube regarding the universal response to the virus. She talked about how none of it made sense: the obsession with cases, the inconsistent lockdowns for small businesses but not big businesses, the science that did not support masks, the hypocritical governors turned emperors, the encouraged violent riots in the summer while restrictions for sports and other outdoor activities remained, and many other contradictions addressed in Covid Operation. 

On her channel, she highlighted the consequences of the lockdowns, school shutdowns, job losses, and business closures. People began writing letters to her, sharing their heartbreak and frustrations, including suicides of loved ones, and Pam read those stories on her show. 

Pam even discussed how she lost friends and colleagues whom she had worked with for years on issues of health and healthy living and eating, because they did not agree with her questioning government, the health departments, CDC, WHO, lockdowns, masks, and the like. They could no longer support her because of her position on the state of things, though she came to accept it because she made new friends and encouraged others in her position to make new friends with people who shared similar ideas. 

And even better...very, VERY early on, Pam mobilized people. Talk about being pro active: she formed groups and encouraged people to do in their communities what she was doing. (See Make Americans Free Again.) She wanted people to connect locally and help each other - doctors, teachers, nurses, farmers, ranchers, construction workers, mothers, fathers, church members, and anyone who knew how to do anything at all - converge and work together, form local systems and serve one another. 

I love Pam's spirit and perseverance. She is a leader and a stateswoman. She loves liberty and self-government, not power and control. She expects Americans to be responsible grownups. Pam pointed out daily that Americans were cowering in fear under the lies of little egomaniacs like Anthony Fauci and the threats of tyrannical governors and their unelected health officers. She basically encouraged her viewers to just ignore them and get on with life. 

I totally agreed with her because in my environment that was my personal experience and observation. Nothing made sense, and I could not stand living in a world where nothing made sense. It was maddening! 

I think it would be great if she did a follow up for 2021 - the year of the jab - because I believe the story behind the jab and the psychology implemented to make people comply is just as dangerous to American liberties and survival. But I sense that Popper has moved on, and she wants us to do the same. Ignore these liars and thieves. 

That is exactly how I have always felt about this entire mess. Is there a new virus? You bet.  Was it manufactured? Definitely. Did people die from it? Yes. But the numbers were inflated to create fear and hysteria so that everyone would comply with the draconian instructions. Everything was done differently than typical epidemics of years past because now there is a global concerted purpose and effort to prepare the world for new mandatory vaccinations, mass surveillance and control, digital currencies, and to usher in a global elite-controlled corporatist/technocratic government. Don't take my word for it; read Klown Schwab's own words: Covid 19: The Great Reset. (That's just my review, but I mean for you to read it and hear it from the elite's own mouth.)

I knew it was all a BIG/FAT lie because of the inconsistency of those whom the media propped up, like Fauci. That man was all over the place about masks, the spread of the virus, and later the jab. It was apparent to me that he did not know the truth about anything. He was basically making things up as he rolled along. I knew he was a fraud even before I read The Real Anthony Fauci. (Again, my review, but read the book yourself to get a history of the man.)

There are so many other warriors out there armed with the truth. Some of us cannot be scammed, and we don't want anyone else to be fooled. If you are done with the lies, Covid Operation is one of many sources; and here are some others:

Amazing Polly  (out of Canada) An amazing independent voice, kicked off YouTube for telling too much truth. 

Peggy Hall  and her YoutTube Channel (out of California) A champion, never tires of fighting the rubbish coming form Emperor Newsom and his Health Oppressors. She has armed Californians with the law.

The Great Barrington Declaration Three reputable doctors came together to point out the farce of lockdowns of healthy people and warned of the dangers very early on. It was a cry for sanity, but the world has not listened. 

Dr. Malone One of the many doctors who has given up his peace and quiet to stop the medical tyranny. He reminds me of a Modern Day George Washington. 

Dark Horse Podcast clips  Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying: an example of what free speech looks like when adults come together and logically pull apart issues to get to the truth. It's called critical thinking. 

Children's Health Defense  Robert Kennedy Jr.'s organization that has worked hard to spread truth about health -- healthy eating and living and environments -- trying to educate the world on the dangers of drugging and vaccinating our kids for every little illness. 

Man In America on YouTube, Rumble, etc. Soft spoken, always positive voice on being self sufficient, independent, pro active, realistic, and prepared for what is inevitable. 

The Truth About Covid by Dr. Mercola

There is so much more out there. This is only a sample of people I found in the early days and listened to what they were saying, and of course, remained in tuned only because they were saying what I was already thinking. 

One more thing: this is not an insult to people who lost love ones because of the virus. I know people who died, too. I also know a lot of people who got sick, including my husband and me, our kids, and our entire church family. We never made such a fuss about the flu, but here we are permitting our state and federal government to trample our Constitution in the name of health.

This post addresses the lies (overreaching and unconstitutional response) from our government (and the media). It is about losing our right to be in control of our lives and the sovereignty of our nation. That is why it is imperative that Americans stop complying, stop obeying the lies, and resist NOW. The lockdowns and mandates and school closures and rollercoaster ride has not ended. It is in a lull, but it will not go away unless we say NO MORE. It is a battle of the wills. And all I am saying is we have to stop it. Now. 

Roll, Jordan, Roll: The World the Slaves Made by Eugene Genovese

Roll, Jordan, Roll: The World the Slaves Made 

Eugene Genovese 

Published 1974 

American non-fiction 

The Well-Educated Mind Histories

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This was a massive read, in both content, context, and page length (850+). Unless you have to write a thesis or are motivated to read a tome on American slavery, then this probably won't be on your TBR any time soon. 

The only reason I read it was because it is on TWEM history list, and I stayed with it because it was intriguing, interesting, and informative. Genovese is true to providing a topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph, and then introducing abundant examples of supporting evidence from numerous sources. 

I'm going to be honest about my experience with Roll, Jordan, Roll. I read through it with lightning speed. I did not take notes or stop to ponder anything. I underlined and stared points and topics, but I had no intention of going back. I did what Susan Wise Bauer describes as "grammar stage reading." One time, quickly through. Done. 

If I have to tell you what Genovese's main point is, it is about the world that black slaves made for themselves in America: "a separate black national culture" under "racist oppression" and "within the narrowest living space and harshest adversity," and what they did to survive it, including their creative achievements, religion, work ethic, and the relationships they forged considering how they were forced to live. Genovese also described how their world affected the white families that they lived with. The slaves were one community that depended upon the slaveowner and his family and vise versa. 

Genovese also incorporated evidence for the evolution of the black Christian religion, hymns, preaching, and community; folksong and folklore; the important duties, work, and skills of the slaves; the family structures under slavery; their spiritual hope; and so much more than I am including here. 

The theme of paternalism repeated throughout these 800 pages, and I mention it here because I learned in my study of Land of Hope, by Wilfred M. McClay, that after the the War of 1812, world Christianity was changing and adopting the Social Gospel, which is also a paternalistic idea that Christian nations or Christians in general are called to care for poorer societies. As the institution of slavery evolved, slaveowners saw themselves as the father of both their own families and the slave families that lived with them. I'm wondering if Social Gospel seeped into the American South at some point. I do not remember if Genovese mentioned it, but I wonder. 

I gave this four stars because I recognize the enormity of the work involved. So, if you are looking for a comprehensive work on American slavery, include this on your list of books to read, but expect to be at it for a long time. 

The Road to Wigan Pier by George Orwell

The Road to Wigan Pier 

 George Orwell  

Published 1937

English non-fiction    

The Well-Educated Mind Histories

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This book was enlightening. It began with Orwell's grim observations of the working class living and working conditions in the industrial towns of Northern England, post WWI, and closed with an autobiographical sketch of the author's upbringing, how he came to support socialism, and why people were repulsed by socialism.

The last thing I ever want to do was like a book arguing for socialism - though that is not entirely the premise of Orwell's argument. He argued why the argument for socialism was not working. Nonetheless, he presented what appeared as strong arguments for his argument; I just see through them. But the reason I was intrigued at all was because his presentation was very orderly and concise. Orwell was a very good writer.

I took so many notes, which was not simple because I borrowed this copy from the library and obviously could not write in the margins. Instead, I used a little notepad and scribbled like crazy. Now I get to revisit my scribbles and try to make sense.

THE MESS WE'RE IN

The ordeal of the coal miners and their treacherous work was astounding. Orwell went with them into the pit. Just getting to the pit where work began was a dangerous job in itself and time consuming, and neither were they paid for that travel time, which took 1 - 3 hours. Of course, the work was backbreaking, filthy, and dangerous, and Orwell described all of that.

The coal miner families lived in the slums, where the homes were uninhabitable. These living conditions did not encourage self-respect, and they tolerated the misery.

The author addressed the issue of unemployment. He said that people were on the dole for so long that they became accustomed to it; lower standards was a way of life.

The "common man" title separated the lower and working classes from the bourgeoisie. The lower classes resented this treatment and developed crude behavior as a response. One of the most offensive distinctions was that the "lower classes smelled." Physical repulsion cannot be ignored. "Smells divide us!" Author Maugham said of this issue:

The matutinal tub divides the classes more effectually than birth, wealth, or education.

To eliminate class distinction, it would be necessary to understand class image through their eyes and remove the prejudices learned in one's childhood to fear, hate, and despise the working class.

The younger working class of men who returned from World War I rebelled against the older, upper classes because they felt sacrificed by the older generation that sent them off to war while they sat in their safe places. Ideas of antimilitarism, antiauthority, pacifism, internationalism, humanism, divorce, free love, atheism, birth control, and feminism grew like tumors in the minds of the youth. The Christian religion was mocked, and even Lenin was hailed as a great leader. They had returned from war with a soldier's mindset.

At this time, Orwell was in his late teens, and he adopted these revolutionary attitudes. He did not understand socialism, but he called himself a Socialist.

While Orwell worked as a police officer in British-occupied India, he began to understand the wrongs of Imperialism. When he returned home, he was interested in the problems of the working class and decided to investigate by living with them. Everyone agreed with the problems of English Imperialism, but no one wanted to do anything about it; same with the class issue.

SOCIALISM IS THE WAY OUT, BUT…

Orwell argued that to defend socialism, one must attack it. Why was socialism unacceptable? Because socialists were hypocrites, and socialist writers were boring, empty windbags." It wasn't socialism that was despised as much as socialists themselves.

The intellectual socialist was far removed from the working class. They desired "hypertrophied order." They were less concerned with misery and wanted to control the world like a chessboard. Socialism attracted inhuman, unfeeling types. They did not understand the consequences of eradicating poverty. Most of them would become fascists in five years anyway.

Socialism demanded central control, uniformity in education, equal standards of life, and extreme organization. But the biggest problem with socialism was that it was bound up in machine production. 

Man was told that machines would save humanity and set them free and physical dangers would be eliminated; but how would physical courage survive? or physical strength when not needed? These were admirable qualities. A safe and easy environment would produce softness in men, which was not very attractive. Socialism presented contradictions in progress. 

So if machines saved a man from work, what would he do when he desired to work and wanted to use his hands? Machines would only suppress his efforts and creativity. This was why socialism was not very attractive to others.

Orwell said we couldn’t turn back progress to a "simpler life." Frankly, no one really wanted to return to an agricultural lifestyle. (Admit it: we're soft! The machine has a hold on us.)

There are now millions of people, and they are increasing every year, to whom the blaring of a radio is not only a more acceptable but a more normal background to their thoughts than the lowing of cattle or the song of birds. 

       In the end, Fascism, which rejected progress, was socialism's greatest competition; but it would win if the socialists were unable to remove the stigma of progress. Orwell pleaded with the working class to stand together; it would be either socialism or fascism. And he asked them not to be upset with him since he did not work with his hands. He was still part of the working class, and he was on their side.

SHOULD YOU READ THIS?

If you like history, social science, economics, politics, and George Orwell, then yes. Of course, if you are a socialist, then you absolutely should read it. 

Queen Victoria by Lytton Strachey

Queen Victoria

Lytton Strachey  

Published 1921

English History  

Well-Educated Mind Histories

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When I began reading through the Well-Educated Mind, in 2012, I expected to purchase every book (used) on the list -- all 147 of them. Some books I was "lucky" enough to find at a used bookstore or the used book sale of my library, but most I ordered through Amazon.com used booksellers. It was important to have my own copy so I could write in it and keep it as long as I needed. 

That got old quickly, and lately I have been borrowing them from the library. If it turns out to be a good book, something I know I would read again, then I may buy a copy later. Unfortunately, now that I am taking so long to write reviews, I have to return the book and no longer have any details to share. I suppose I need to take notes in the future.

Queen Victoria, by Lytton Strachey, is one that I borrowed from the library and read for my WEM histories. It was a decent read and quite informative. I really enjoyed my time in it, but since I returned it weeks ago, I can only share my overall general impressions. 

For example, the book is well written -- a very pleasant read -- in chronological order, from the time of Victoria's birth (1837) until her death (1901). The narrative does not jump around, making it simple to follow. Her mother raised her to be an honorable and good girl, and Victoria made a promise to be a good queen. She was coronated Queen of the United Kingdom at the tender age of eighteen. 

Soon after, she was encouraged to marry her cousin, Prince Albert, of "Germany," which she did reluctantly. But, WOW! Did she soon develop a change of heart! Victoria was so proud of her cousin-husband. Everything he said and did was right and good and perfect. She believed him to be intelligent and creative. She was enthusiastic about his ideas and how he assisted with running the State. Sadly for her, it was more like he was King than she was Queen. 

To complicate matters, life in England was evolving rather quickly, and the people (and Parliament) asked, "Why do we even need the Crown in the first place," as more and more power was transferred to the Prime Minister(s) and Parliament.

However, the most distressing change for Victoria was the loss of her husband (1860). Immediately following his death, she retreated from the public and desperately worshiped her husband's image and his memory. 

When she recovered herself, she felt a protective motherly approach to governing and caring for all those under her safekeeping. She even showed herself to be a little more feisty and assertive in her decision-making. In the end, she kept her promise: to be a good Queen.

After finishing this book, I was left with an impressive opinion of Queen Victoria. She seemed to be a great lady. I would love, love, LOVE to read her journals. Yes! She wrote...a lot! So I look forward to getting my hands on those in the future. 

Should You Read This?

If you like biographies, biographies about great women, biographies about queens or royalty, biographies from the history of England or the United Kingdom, or you just like anything about Queen Victoria - and you have yet to read Stratchey's work - then yes, by all means, read this. 

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire: Abridged Edition

Edward Gibbon  

Published 1776-89  

The Well-Educated Mind Histories

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Check out the chunkiness of the abridged version of this book! It was originally published in six volumes, but I am grateful to have had the whole thing between two covers, and abridged.

This work was beyond impressive, thanks to Gibbon's superb writing style. It is a history of Western Civilization, from AD 98 until 1590, with fascinating detail given to Ancient Rome, Medieval Europe, Byzantium, the Crusades, the barbaric invasions, and a comprehensive historical review of Christianity and Islam.

It took me two and a half months to read, which was not adequate time to spend on such a brilliant work of important history. Someday when I reread this - because I absolutely must - it would be better to stretch it out for at least a year. It is massive in content and context. Unfortunately, because I read quickly, I am not prepared to give an extensive review. 

In a general answer to the question, "Why did the Roman Empire decline and fall?" Gibbon made the argument that Rome's power grew too massive, became ensnared in corruption, and meddled unnecessarily in the Middle East. (This sounds so much like America today.) Furthermore, Gibbon blamed the spread of Christianity (more specifically, the Roman Church) for the decline of Rome. He also gave a positively raving history of Muhammad and the rise of Islam. 

Gibbon, who published the first volume during America's revolution and birth, in 1776, mentioned the new nation once (that I recall) to demonstrate that the Europeans carried Rome's principles to the Americas, where he hoped liberty would continue. Liberty was a principle Gibbon esteemed above all else. 

Furthermore, I want to share the first paragraph of chapter one because I think it parallels our current age, specifically America, which has frequently been compared to the Roman Empire. Gibbon writes:

In the second century of the Christian Era, the empire of Rome comprehended the fairest part of the earth, and the most civilized portion of mankind. The frontiers of that extensive monarchy were guarded by ancient renown and disciplined valour. The gentle, but powerful influence of laws and manners had gradually cemented the union of the provinces. Their peaceful inhabitants enjoyed and abused the advantages of wealth and luxury. The image of a free constitution was preserved with decent reverence. The Roman senate appeared to posses the sovereign authority, and devolved on the emperors all the executive powers of government. During a happy period of more than fourscore years, the public administration was conducted by the virtue and abilities of Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, and the two Antonines. It is the design of this, and of the two succeeding chapters, to describe the prosperous condition of their empire; and afterwards, from the death of Marcus Antoninus, to deduce the most important circumstances of its decline and fall; a revolution which will ever be remembered, and is still felt by the nations of the earth. 

This is interesting because America enjoys and abuses great wealth and luxury and has the appearance of a representative government operating under a free constitution, all for the cause of liberty. But our liberties are eroding, if not through voluntary relinquishment, in exchange for a sense of security, excessive affluence, and abundant entertainment, just as the Romans desired. And also like the Romans, America is troubled over what to do about the massive influx of immigrants, is still entangled in the Middle East, and Christianity is nevertheless at odds with Islam (although Christianity is rapidly declining in America). 

Gibbon used extensive historical resources to support his arguments and ideas. Though he never made reference (that I can remember), I wonder if he ever read City of God, by Augustine, who rejected earlier arguments that Christianity was the demise of Rome. If I did not know any better, I would say Gibbon wrote this tome in response to Augustine. 

One last thing about this: Gibbon knew how to write well. This history does not read like a boring history text. It reads like a story. Gibbon takes liberty with his adjectives, and it is beautiful. Unfortunately, his choice of adjectives often exposed his personal opinions about a particular person or event; he wore his biases on his sleeve, but it did not spoil the overall experience for me.

  

SHOULD YOU READ THIS?

You have heard it said, "History repeats itself," and "One thing we learn from history is that no one learns from history." Well, this ignorance has to stop, and that is why you have to read this and learn from it. Do not be intimidated because it is history. This is essential history, well written. It is one of those works that makes you rethink the way you think about the history you have been taught. It forces you to put aside your own preconceived ideas, if only for a moment. And I cannot stress enough how beautifully well written it is. You will not see history the same again. 

The True End of Civil Government by John Locke

The True End of Civil Government

John Locke 

Published 1689

English Political Essay

The Well-Educated Mind Histories

⭐⭐⭐

This is like an assignment I loathe to complete, for this book has been sitting on my bookcase too long, waiting for me to be done with it; and I am not done with a book until I have written a narration about it.  

It is not a bad essay, nor is it a boring waste of time. The problem is, it did not excite me, impress upon me, or stir my heart.

So, first let me tell what is is: The True End of Civil Government is an essay written by John Locke, an English philosopher of the Enlightenment, on the workings of civil and political society based on natural rights, decided by the people, i.e. democracy. 

To make this painless and quick, I will share some my sensible marginal notes and favorite quotes by Locke to give you an idea what this was like: 

On the State of Nature

God did not make us to be beasts.

The State of Nature has a Law of Nature to govern it, which obliges everyone: And Reason, which is that Law, teaches all Mankind, who will but consult it, that being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his Life, Health, Liberty, or Possession. 

On the Death Penalty 

...every Man in the State of Nature, has a Power to kill a Murderer, both to deter others from doing the like Injury, which no Reparation can compensate, by the Example of the punishment that attends it from every body, and also to secure Men from the attempts of a Criminal.  

On the State of War

He who attempts to get another Man into his Absolute Power does thereby put himself in a State of War with him. To be free from this force is the only security of my Preservation. 

On Slavery

This is a State of War between conqueror and captive, where there is no compact (agreement).

What we work with our hands is rightly ours. (This is how man came to obtain property.) But there is a limit to property.

God gave the World to Men in Common; but since he gave it them for their benefit, and the greatest Conveniencies of Life they were capable to draw from it, it cannot be supposed he meant it should always remain common and uncultivated. he gave it to the use of the Industrious and Rational (and Labour was to be his Title to it); not to the Fancy or Covetousness of the Quarrelsom and Contentious.

On Labor

Land not used is a waste. Labor puts the greatest value on land. Labor gives right of property (ownership). But it is foolish to take more than one needs (hoarding). 

The invention of money enlarged a man's possessions.

On Freedom

...the end of Law is not to abolish or restrain, but to preserve and enlarge Freedom: For in all the states of created beings capable of Laws, where there is no Law, there is no Freedom. For Liberty is to be free from restraint and violence from others which cannot be, where there is no Law.

On Self Government and Civil Society

Self-government occurs when young person demonstrates REASON.

While the father is the first authority to children, the mother has parental power, too. Children are under her care and provision, and owe her obedience. The first duty as parents is education. 

The man and his wife make up the first society or conjugal society, made under a "voluntary Compact between Man and Woman. It is for Communion and right in one anothers Bodies, as is necessary to its chief End, Procreation; yet it draws with it mutual Support, and Assistance, and a Communion of Interest...to unite Care and Affections...of offspring." 

The second society, or master and servant, make up political society. 

An absolute monarchy is inconsistent with civil society. 

For he that thinks absolute Power purifies Mens Bloods, and corrects the baseness of Human Nature, need read but the History of this, or any other Age to be convinced of the contrary (AMEN).

Of Democracy

When any number of Men have so consented to make one Community or Government, they are thereby presently incorporated, and make one Body Politick, wherein the Majority have a Right to act and conclude the rest. 

All men are born subject to Father or Prince, "and is therefore under the perpetual tye of Subjection and Allegiance."

Why Would Men Part with His Freedom? (Good question)

...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,...the enjoyment of the property he has in this state is very unsafe. This makes him willing to quit this Condition, which is full of fears and continual dangers...he...is willing to joyn in Society with others who are already united...for the mutual Preservation of their Lives, Liberties, and Estates (Property). 

Short answer: safety and security or protection.

On Government and Executive Powers

The end of Government being the preservation of all, as much as may be, even the guilty are to be spared, where it can prove no prejudice to the innocent. 

...therefore there is a latitude left to the Executive power, to do many things of choice, which the Laws do not prescribe. (You can say that again.)

On Powers

Paternal Power is first, where parents govern children for their own good, until they come to reason, which is the ability to self-govern. Political power is second, where man relinquishes his state of nature to society and to government, in which society trusts, to be done for their good and preservation of their property. 

Dissolution of Governments

Governments may be overturned from without and within. Sometimes an executive power neglects and abandons his charge, reducing all to Anarchy. But beware of foreign powers and oppression because they are slavery in disguise. The people "not only have a Right to get out of it but to prevent it."

On Judges

God in Heaven is Judge: He alone, 'tis true, is Judge of the Right. But every Man is Judge for himself, as in all other Cases, so in this, whether another hath put himself into a State of War with him, and whether he should appeal to the Supreme Judge...

IS THIS BOOK FOR YOU

Surely, if you are interested in political science, history, government, and philosophy, especially regarding Western Civilization, this will be right up your alley. Locke recaps and reiterates quiet often, building his argument upon basic ideas of man and human nature and expanding into complex ideas of society and government. It was educational, but not necessarily riveting stuff.