Are we free?John Locke stated that every individual has inalienable natural rights granted at birth. As human beings, we have the right to life, liberty and property. In Locke's social contract theory, we gain insight into how this theory works in defining and analyzing the meaning of freedom. As a society, we are free to some extent. For a society to coexist, people must surrender their sovereignty to a government to receive benefits and maintain social order. Without the authority of a government, life would be “nasty, brutish, and short,” according to Locke. As a society, we can't run around like animals. An anarchist-style government aimed at achieving complete freedom would not triumph in any society. In this essay I will discuss and explain how we, as a society, believe we live in a “free society” when in reality we are not, how I define my freedom, and what freedom probably meant to Henry George, Thomas Edison, and Charlotte Perkins. Gilman and Woodrow Wilson. The post Civil War marked the rebirth of a nation. For some individuals the concept of freedom finally had a significant meaning. African Americans were for the first time freed from the chains they once possessed. Former slaves could now own land, attend school, found churches, and have a political voice. The United States Constitution now offered equal protection of the laws for African American citizens. Three key amendments would make this possible: the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery in the United States, the 14th Amendment which offered equal protection of the laws, and the 15th Amendment which gave the right to vote to all males. The women's rights movement during Reconstruction opened a new door for them to t... middle of paper...d pursuit of happiness", and "whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to modify or abolish it, and to establish a new government, laying its foundations on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form as shall seem most likely to affect their safety and happiness.” The Declaration of Independence was the document that would ensure that the American people would not have to endure another tyrannical government and would give power to the people. To reflect on how I would not be free in our society if any of what I mentioned at the beginning of this discussion were taken away from me. My right to life without due process, civil liberties, freedom to choose my religion, freedom of speech, and the right to own my own property are key values ​​that I hold true in my definition of freedom.