6. But though this is a state of ‘liberty, it isn't a state of “licence -in which there are no constraints on how people behave-. A man in that state is absolutely free to dispose of himself or his possessions, but he isn't at liberty to destroy himself, or even to destroy any created thing in his posses- sion unless something nobler than its mere preservation is at stake. The state of nature is governed by a law that creates obligations for everyone. And reason, which is that law. teaches anyone who takes the trouble to consult it, that because we are all equal and independent, no—one ought to " harm anyone else in his life, health, liberty, or possessions. This is because