The societal effects of the Enlightenment on Western thinking were profound, promoting ideals such as reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority. Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, Voltaire, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau challenged traditional concepts of government, religion, and social norms, advocating for the principles of liberty and equality. This intellectual movement inspired revolutions, including the American Revolution and the French Revolution, emphasizing democratic ideals and the importance of civil liberties. The Enlightenment laid the foundation for modern political thought, influencing contemporary discussions on human rights and governance.