According to John Locke, what happens to a natural resource when it is improved?

John Locke, a prominent philosopher, proposed that individuals have a natural right to property, which extends to natural resources. According to his theory, when a person improves a natural resource—such as cultivating land or enhancing an object through labor—they effectively transform that resource into personal property. This concept is rooted in Locke's belief that one's labor is a means of claiming ownership over what one has worked to improve or create.

For Locke, the act of improvement is a critical factor that legitimizes the transition from common or natural resources to personal property. This notion supports the idea that individuals have a claim to the benefits and fruits of their labor, thereby incentivizing effort and innovation. This perspective on property rights has significantly influenced modern legal and economic theories regarding ownership and resource management.

The other options provided do not align with Locke's views. For example, the idea of a natural resource becoming public property contradicts Locke's emphasis on individual rights and ownership through improvement. Similarly, the assertion that a resource loses its value or requires government permission does not accurately reflect his beliefs about property rights and individual sovereignty.