The 17th and 18th centuries represented a period in which radical changes occurred in society. John Locke's tabula rasa theory described how "the mind is like a blank sheet of paper on which ideas are imprinted." In short, his theory rationalized that all ideas arise from experience through sensation and reflection. At the time, his theory had the potential to nullify divine right, the estate system, and any institution that denied liberal rights. Liberal rights include equality, expanded rights, unlimited social mobility, and equality. His theory contributed to many reforms in education, government and social classes. Before industrialization, the tabula rasa theory did not influence peasants due to their lack of education, the role of the church within peasant property, and the threat of disorder within the estate system. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay With the advent of the Enlightenment, countless philosophers introduced many new ideas and theories about the natural world. Unfortunately "in 1800 about ninety-seven percent of the peasants were illiterate". The high rate of illiteracy meant that the peasant class did not have the education necessary to understand the complex theories proposed by John Locke, but the clergy and aristocracy with higher education did. Furthermore, even though the peasants were literate, they did not have enough money to buy the books in which these theories were published. Another part of John Locke's philosophy was that "all are born equal and should have equal advantages according to natural laws." Furthermore, the farmers had no understanding of natural laws. Farmers were tied to their land due to labor availability and limited opportunities. During this period, farmers produced food and transformed raw materials into finished products for the clergy and nobility. Furthermore, the taxes imposed on them allowed the clergy and nobles to live lavish lifestyles and receive an education while living on the brink of starvation. Furthermore, the peasants had no influence on the upper classes because they did not enjoy sufficient status within the estate system and did not have sufficient resources to obtain an education. They either worked the land and survived or they died of hunger. Education was the defining characteristic of the upper classes, and the peasants' lack of education kept out the tabula rasa. The Catholic Church was incorporated into all aspects of the peasant estate. “Religion offered answers to the mysteries of life and gave comfort and courage in the face of pain and fear.” The farmers were very poor, worked long hours for little pay, and were one step away from starvation. These factors often led to discontent within the estate, so peasants relied on the church to answer questions about their position in the world. The church responded, “God put her in you, and it is your destiny to do the work you have to receive salvation.” The church told them this because it was vital that the farmers remain faithfully in the world to ensure the survival of the group. The aristocracy taxed the peasants heavily, and the taxes were paid with food supplies, which fed the upper classes. It is obvious that the role of farmers within the real estate system is very important, and a clean slate would permanently destroy stability within the real estate system. For example, if a farmer came to church asking about his location.