John Locke, full name John Locke, was born on August 29, 1632, in Wrington, a small village in Somerset, England. He passed away on October 28, 1704, in Oates, Essex. Locke was a prominent philosopher, physician, and political theorist, widely regarded as one of the most influential Enlightenment thinkers. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern democratic governance and individual rights.

Locke's early life was marked by the tumultuous political climate of 17th-century England. He was the son of a Puritan military officer who fought for the Parliament during the English Civil War. After attending the prestigious Westminster School, Locke went on to study at Christ Church, Oxford. His academic pursuits initially focused on medicine, but he soon developed a keen interest in philosophy and political theory, influenced by the works of René Descartes and Thomas Hobbes.

Locke's literary career is most notable for his seminal works, including "Two Treatises of Government" (1689) and "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding" (1690). In "Two Treatises," he argued against the divine right of kings and advocated for the principles of natural rights and government by consent, which significantly influenced the development of liberal political thought. His "Essay" explored the nature of human knowledge, asserting that the mind is a tabula rasa, or blank slate, shaped by experience.

In his personal life, Locke was known for his friendships with other intellectuals, including Isaac Newton and Robert Boyle. He never married but maintained close relationships with several women, and his temperament was described as thoughtful and reserved. Locke's legacy endures as a foundational figure in Western philosophy, with his ideas continuing to resonate in contemporary discussions around liberty, governance, and human rights.