Aristotle originated the idea that "all legal and just power being but a trust, whoever executes the same, does an act of obedience as well as command"(4.6.4-6). John Locke, as well as John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon in their Cato's Letters, expanded upon this idea which was one of the fundamental inspirations for the American revolution. This book is essential source material for understanding the foundations of Western civilization.