Final answer:
The quote is from English philosopher John Locke, who argued for the inherent natural rights of life, liberty, and property in a state of nature and influenced the development of social contract theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote, "The state of nature has a law of nature to govern it, which obliges everyone; and reason, which is that law, teaches all mankind, who will but consult it, that, being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions," was articulated by English philosopher John Locke. Locke's philosophy on human nature and social contract theory significantly influenced political thought, particularly with respect to natural rights and government. According to Locke, in the state of nature, humans hold natural rights such as life, liberty, and property, which any just government must protect and preserve. Locke's perspective counters Thomas Hobbes' more pessimistic view of human nature which suggested that individuals should authorize a Leviathan, a powerful governing entity, to uphold the laws of nature with unrestricted power to ensure peace and prevent conflict. Alternatively, Locke imagines a more peaceful state of nature where humans can govern themselves through reason and moral law without needing an authoritarian government to enforce these laws. When forming a society, the social contract is meant to protect these inherent natural rights rather than to impose dominance.