more on this theme | more from this thinker | more from this text
Full Idea
God, having made man such a creature that, in His own judgement, it was not good for him to be alone, put him under strong obligations of necessity, convenience, and inclination, to drive him into society.
Gist of Idea
We are not created for solitude, but are driven into society by our needs
Source
John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 077)
Book Ref
Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.154
A Reaction
This is almost Aristotelian, apart from the individualistic assumption that we are 'driven' into society. The only time I see other people looking generally happy is when they are sitting around at leisure and talking to other people.