He believed that trying to enforce a single religion was counterproductive and would lead to unintended social disorder. In fact, he's recognized as one of the most notable philosophers to shape current society. John Locke’s philosophy inspired and reflected Enlightenment values in its recognition of the rights and equality of individuals, its criticism of arbitrary authority (e.g., the divine right of kings ), its advocacy of religious toleration, and its general empirical and scientific temperament.