Labour, as the second limitation to

Labour, as the second limitation to property rights, is discussed in other parts of Locke’s analysis. He argues that if the common land is not utilised for tillage or grazing, but is allowed to lie fallow, the standard of living will itself remain fallow. It is only through the exercise of labour that humans add value to the land and their products. He offers the example of the American Indians who symbolise for Locke economic underdevelopment and a wasteful life of the commons. They own vast tracts of land but live a primitive life of material comfort that is surpassed by even the lowest of labourers in England.