John Locke’s birthday and philosophical teachings are celebrated on Individual Rights Day on August 29. While the topic is subjective and has been discussed for decades, Locke was the first to firmly argue that all human beings have sovereign identities and that it is the government’s responsibility to recognize these rights and safeguard them.
History of Individual Rights Day
John Locke was an English philosopher, popularly known as the “Father of Liberalism.” Born on August 29, 1632, he was among the most influential thinkers of his time, and strongly advocated individual liberty and rights.
According to Locke, “Anything that a man has as a matter of human rights or civil rights is to remain inviolably his.” Even though humans have to live in a system where some of their natural rights are surrendered in return for the collectivity of society and protection, Locke still listed complete liberty on how to live one’s life, freedom of speech, and freedom to stand against the government as individual rights.
The founder of the Objectivist Party, Dr. Tom Stevens, is a staunch supporter of John Locke’s philosophies, especially those regarding the very foundation of society — the individual.
Dr. Tom Stevens, the founder of the Objectivist Party, supports John Locke’s philosophies regarding the rights of society’s smallest minority and basic unit — the individual. The exact date of the inception of the holiday is unknown, but Dr. Stevens is credited for creating the annual celebration.
Individual Rights Day timeline
John Locke is born in Wrington, United Kingdom.
Locke’s “Essay Concerning Human Understanding” outlines a theory of human identity and selfhood that would greatly inspire Enlightenment thinkers in the future.
Locke’s “Essay Concerning Human Understanding” outlines a theory of human identity and selfhood that would greatly inspire Enlightenment thinkers in the future.
John Locke dies in High Laver, United Kingdom.
Individual Rights Day FAQs
When is Individual Rights Day?
Individual Rights Day is celebrated on August 29.
When is Human Rights Day?
International Human Rights Day is observed on December 10 every year.
Who was John Locke?
John Locke was an English philosopher, popularly known as the “Father of Liberalism.”
How To Observe Individual Rights Day
Read about John Locke
John Locke was a visionary with ideas ahead of his time. Read about his views and his argument on individual human rights, and the government’s role in maintaining them.
Learn about your rights
Other than what Locke believed in, it is essential for everyone to be aware of their basic rights, and exercise them to maintain a balance of power between the system and society.
Discuss individual rights online
The internet is a great place for discussing new ideas. Discuss your country’s framework and protection of rights on online forums, and exercise your freedom of expression.
5 Facts About Human Rights That Everyone Should Know
Internet for all!
In 2011, the United Nations declared internet access a basic human right.
Leisure is a human right
Everyone has a right to leisure and holiday, with pay.
The most translated document
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the most translated document in the world, available in 370 languages.
Down with the Man!
More than ⅓ of governments around the world locked up people who were simply exercising their freedom of speech, and rights, in 2014.
The beginning of an idea.
The idea of human rights originated around 2500 years ago in modern-day Iraq.
Why We Love Individual Rights Day
Celebrating a great thinker
The Enlightenment era and all the great thinkers of that time were simply revolutionary! John Locke wasn’t a part of that exact era, but his ideologies inspired many thinkers, and a day to celebrate his work is well-deserved.
People become aware
Today, many people are becoming self-aware and more importantly, aware of their rights. Days like Individual Rights Day reiterate freedom and counter oppressive ownership of people.
Savoring liberty
The United States of America guarantees freedom to its people, which is truly a privilege that everyone should savor. Freedom and equality of all is the way to go, and we love it!
Individual Rights Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 29 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 29 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 29 | Sunday |
| 2028 | August 29 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | August 29 | Wednesday |
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