Every few weeks, Bwog’s Book Club recommends a book. This week we’ll recommend two beloved essays.

Had Jesus saved some eyesight for himself, he would have loved John Locke’s “Two Treatises of Government.” Locke’s thoughts on “lawful government,” “politic government,” and “the great art of government” sent shivers up my forearms. I got the feeling people get when they really like a treatise—from both treatises. I just found myself caring so much.

Locke does for government what Woolf does for lighthouses, and about halfway through the first treatise, I knew I would never look at a Senator the same way again. The “Treatises” were a wild ride—in a sexual way.

I highly recommend the “Treatises” if you are looking to read multiple treatises of government written by the same person. Indeed, I now say with confidence that Locke is the only treatise-writer—maybe even author—worth reading at all. Take it from me. After finishing the Second Treatise, I searched Avery for a suitable third, but every other author’s treatises only made me want to redesign Lerner. Locke’s just got a way with words that other authors don’t—especially where government is concerned. You will learn much more about government reading Locke than you will with Lord Montague or the Greek turtle guy.

Separation of powers, leave my kitchen.

Decent Singer via Wikimedia Commons