Throughout history there have been many great philosophers. Aristotle, Plato, Confucius and Descartes are some names that come up when talking about famous philosophers. John Locke, who was born in 17th century England, was a philosopher and physician and to this day is regarded as one of the most influential philosophers of all time. He was one of the greatest influential figures of the French Enlightenment and his ideas had a huge impact on the founding fathers of America when they were drawing up the Declaration of Independence. .
Even though Locke had an important role in the French Enlightenment while he was alive, his ideas and political views were used long after his death and to this very day. In 1689, Locke wrote his most important and influential works on political philosophy called "Two Treatises on Government." In the "Second Treatise Concerning Civil Government," he wrote about some of the core ideas that were used in the writing of the Declaration of Independence. In his work he wrote that all men are created equal. He stated that government is obligated so serve its people by protecting their life, liberty and property. He noted that government has limited and specific power which is derived from the people. He explained the importance of checks and balances in a government, having different branches of government for different laws. He was in favor of a representative government where representatives were elected by other people with similar views. He believed that all people and institutions needed to abide by law that is fairly enforced by the government. He argued that if the government violated these laws or an individuals human born rights, that it was the people's obligation to rebel and overthrow the government. .
Thomas Jefferson, who originally wrote the Declaration of Independence, respected John Locke immensely. He called Locke one of the most important thinkers on liberty.