John Locke was a 17th-century English philosopher and physician, widely known as the "Father of Classical Liberalism." Counted among the most influential Enlightenment thinkers, he was the first to define the self through a continuity of consciousness. His writings made significant contributions to political philosophy, epistemology, and education. Locke's ideas inspired generations of philosophers, including Voltaire and Rousseau, and had a profound impact on modern political thought. Born as the son of a country lawyer in a small town in England, Locke excelled academically and gained admission to the prestigious Westminster School in London. As a young man, he was more drawn to the works of modern philosophers than the traditional curriculum. In addition to philosophy, he developed an interest in medicine and eventually became a professional physician. Locke was mentored by the renowned physician Thomas Sydenham, who greatly influenced the development of his philosophical ideas. Alongside his medical career, Locke served as Secretary of the Board of Trade and Plantations and Secretary to the Lords Proprietor of Carolina, roles that helped shape his political views. As a political theorist, he made significant contributions to classical republicanism and liberal theory, ideas that are prominently reflected in the United States Declaration of Independence.