John locke was a 17th-century english philosopher who formulated important theories about governments and humankind. locke’s ideas were extremely influential on the founding fathers: america might not be america without him. locke’s ideas influenced the age of enlightenment, also called the age of reason. writers during the enlightenment era, which lasted from the 1650s to the end of the 1700s, asked profound questions: what makes humans human? why do governments exist and what is their role? enlightenment thinkers didn't automatically accept conventional wisdom or the teachings of the church. instead, they championed reason and science. like locke's writings, the theories and ideas of the enlightenment were instrumental to the american revolution. based on the passage, enlightenment thinkers thought emotions mattered more than reason. challenged some traditional beliefs. believed that the church was always right. were inspired by the american revolution.