John Locke
1632–1704 · English · Early Modern Period
Known for: Father of liberalism whose ideas on natural rights literally became the American Declaration of Independence
Cautious, methodical, and politically brave despite personal timidity. A physician and empiricist who argued the mind begins as a 'blank slate.' His ideas on natural rights and consent of the governed directly inspired the American and French Revolutions.
He fled to Holland to avoid arrest for radical Whig politics. The Declaration of Independence echoes his language almost verbatim.
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