# Freethought and Freedom: John Locke on Property **URL:** **By** George H. Smith **Published:** March 28, 2018 --- George Smith discusses Locke’s view of the original commons, before the institution of private property. George Smith discusses Locke’s view of the original commons, before the institution of private property. [Originally published in essay form on October 9, 2015.](https://www.libertarianism.org/columns/freethought-freedom-john-locke-property)