The Enlightenment, an intellectual and philosophical movement of the 17th and 18th centuries, profoundly impacted modern values, such as individualism, reason, and secularism. Enlightenment thinkers, including Locke, Rousseau, and Voltaire, championed the importance of human rights, equality, and democratic governance, stressing that individuals possess inherent rights independent of any authority. This emphasis on reason prompted questions about tradition, faith, and absolutism, influencing revolutions and the development of democratic institutions. Enlightenment principles undergirded the American and French Revolutions, leading to a wave of nationalism and reforms. Ultimately, the movement laid the foundation for contemporary views on civil liberties, human rights, and the role of government in society.