John Locke, an English philosopher and physician of the 17th Century who was regarded as one of the most influential of Enlightenment thinkers and an important influence on "Classical Liberalism*," wrote that we have "Natural Rights." In the Declaration of Independence our rights are defined as being of the "Laws of Nature and of Nature's God." In short, our rights are God-given. We are born with certain unalienable rights that are self-evident to a virtuous society. They are inherent to us because we are alive, created by our Creator. Our rights belong to us no matter what, regardless of whether or not they are enumerated in the Bill of Rights, regardless of whether or not a judge deems if the rights exist, and whether or not culture blesses or disallows them. Your rights belong to you. They are yours to utilize, defend, demand, and possess. Since they are God-given, our rights are also God-defined.
Western Culture, over the last couple of hundred years, has developed another definition of what a right is, which also possesses a certain level of credence. Your rights extend to, but may not infringe upon, the next person's rights. In short, my right to swing my arms stops at the tip of your nose. I have the right to swing my arms, but I don't have the right to punch you in the nose in the process. I can't say that it's your nose's fault for getting in the way, either. I am supposed to be responsible enough with my right to swing my arms that I see beforehand if my fist will connect with your nose, and take actions to ensure that it won't happen. You have the same responsibility when it comes to swinging your arms. Swing them. I'm good with it. Just don't punch me in the nose in the process.
