"The only defense against the world is a thorough knowledge of it." ― John Locke From John Locke Philosopher Added on 1/31/2026 About John Locke John Locke was an English philosopher and political thinker of the Enlightenment. He is widely known for An Essay Concerning Human Understanding and Two Treatises of Government, works that shaped empiricism and liberal political theory. Born: 1632-08-29 Died: 1704-10-28 View all quotes from John Locke