In 1689, John Locke published 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding,' where he argued that the mind is a tabula rasa, or blank slate, shaped by experience. This work challenged prevailing notions of innate ideas and laid the groundwork for empiricism and modern psychology. Locke's ideas significantly influenced Enlightenment thought and the development of liberal philosophy, emphasizing the importance of education and experience in human development.

John Locke's publication of 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding' in 1689 marked a significant shift towards empiricism, influencing the sensory detail prevalent in Augustan poetry. This philosophical foundation also informed the Romantic emphasis on childhood experience, as seen in the works of poets like William Wordsworth, who celebrated the purity of perception.