John Locke's philosophy evolved significantly from his personal experiences, particularly his background in 17th-century England. Living through political turmoil and the Glorious Revolution, he sought to understand the relationship between government and the individual. His writings emphasized natural rights—life, liberty, and property—which were influenced by his observations of human nature and society. Locke's advocacy for social contract theory stemmed from his belief in the necessity of governmental consent, reflecting both personal beliefs and historical contexts. His thoughts laid the groundwork for modern democratic theory and influenced Enlightenment thinkers across Europe.