An Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1689) by John Locke is a foundational work in modern philosophy. It explores how humans acquire knowledge, arguing that the mind is a "blank slate" (tabula rasa) at birth and knowledge comes through experience and reflection. The book laid the groundwork for empiricism and Enlightenment thought.
John Locke (1632-1704) was an English philosopher and physician, regarded as the father of liberalism. His ideas on individual rights, government by consent, religious tolerance, and the nature of knowledge influenced political thought worldwide, especially the American and French Revolutions. He remains a central figure in Western philosophy.