John L. Locke

John Locke was a 17th-century English philosopher who is often called the "Father of Liberalism." He believed that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. Locke argued that governments should be based on consent from the governed and exist to protect these rights. His ideas greatly influenced the development of democratic thought and the United States Declaration of Independence. Locke also contributed to theories of knowledge, stating that the mind is a "tabula rasa" or blank slate, shaped by experience. His work laid the groundwork for modern political theory and education.