John Locke was born on August 22, 1632, in Wrington, Somerset, a small village in England. Locke grew up with both parents Puritans and as such, he was raised that way. His religion believed that everyone was born into a state of nature and that everyone had the right to pursue happiness. His fathers connections and allegiance to the English government allowed Locke to receive an impeccable education. Throughout his childhood, he was homeschooled. He then had the opportunity to attend Westminster high school furthering his education at the Christ Church of the University of Oxford. At Oxford, Locke studied medicine, which played a heavy role in his future as he soon thereafter became a physician. He also studied philosophy, learning the classical material of Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle, however finding the works of more modern philosophers like Descartes, more intriguing. Although growing up in a household of Puritans, Locke had a more liberal standpoint on life. Locke became a teacher at Christ Church, but his dislike of theology and his interest in medicine and science caused him to follow the advice of his scientific mentor Robert Boyle, who recommended that Locke concentrate on scientific research instead. In the
summer of 1667, Locke befriended Anthony Ashley Cooper; the Earl of Shaftsbury, and was hired as his physician. As the Earl was involved in the government, this helped Locke integrate into the role as a government official charged with collecting information about trade and colonies which later helped him become an economic writer, a political activist, and a revolutionary whose cause triumphed in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Having varying stances on important topics, Locke became a highly influential philosopher, writing essays and treatises on topics such as political philosophy, education, and the government. Many of Lockes writings helped found modern western philosophy and he became known as the father of classical liberalism. He is best known for his three works; Essay Concerning Human Understanding where he discussed the principle of religion, morality, and science, The Letter Concerning Toleration which pertained to the separation of the church and the state and The Second Treatise on Civil Government where he challenged the law of Divine Right of Kings by arguing that sovereignty resided in the people. In 1704, Locke died from a decline in his health after living a long and fulfilling life in Essex, England.