John Locke was a 17th century English philosopher and physician known as the “Father of Classical Liberalism”. Counted amongst the most influential of Enlightenment thinkers, he was the first to define the self through a continuity of consciousness. His writings contributed greatly to the development of the fields of political philosophy, epistemology, and education. His works inspired generations of philosophers to follow, and significantly influenced the likes of Voltaire and Rousseau. Born as the son of a country lawyer in a small town in England, he grew up to be a good student and was accepted into the prestigious Westminster School in London. As a young man he was more drawn towards the works of modern philosophers than he was interested in studying the prescribed curriculum. Along with philosophy he developed an interest in medicine and went on to become a professional physician. He found a mentor in the famous physician Thomas Sydenham who took him under his wings and greatly influenced the development of Locke’s philosophical thinking. Along with his medical career he also served as Secretary of the Board of Trade and Plantations and Secretary to the Lords Proprietor of Carolina, and this helped shape his political thoughts. As a political theorist, he contributed immensely to classical republicanism and liberal theory which are reflected in the United States Declaration of Independence.