The primary impact of the Enlightenment on Western thought was the promotion of reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority. Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke, Voltaire, and Immanuel Kant, emphasized the use of rational thought to understand the world and advocate for personal liberties. This intellectual movement challenged traditional structures such as monarchy and the Church, fostering ideals of democracy and human rights. It laid the philosophical groundwork for the American and French Revolutions, influencing modern democratic governance and secularism. Additionally, the Enlightenment encouraged scientific exploration and questioning of established norms, shaping Western culture and philosophy.