John Locke's life was marked by significant events that influenced his philosophy. His experiences during the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution led him to advocate for natural rights and the social contract. Locke's time in exile in the Netherlands exposed him to different political ideas, reinforcing his belief in government by consent. His writings, especially "Two Treatises of Government," established the foundation for modern democracy by arguing against absolute monarchy. These experiences shaped his views on the role of the individual in society and the importance of personal liberty.