The philosophical focus of Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Voltaire revolved around reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. Locke championed the ideas of natural rights—life, liberty, and property—and the concept of government as a social contract. He influenced political thought and democratic principles. Voltaire advocated for freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and separation of church and state, using satire to criticize social injustices. Together, their ideas laid the groundwork for modern democratic governance and human rights, emphasizing rational thought over superstition and dogma, thus reshaping Western thought.