What metaphor did John Locke use to describe the human mind?

John Locke famously used the metaphor of a blank slate to describe the human mind in his theory of tabula rasa. He argued that individuals are born without innate ideas and that all knowledge is acquired through experience and sensory perception. This concept emphasizes the belief that the mind is like a blank slate upon which life experiences are written, and thus, knowledge is formed over time through interaction with the environment. This metaphor was pivotal in promoting the idea that human development relies largely on experience and education, bridging the gap between philosophy and early psychological thought. Locke's view countered the notion of innate knowledge, suggesting that the mind's potential is shaped by experiences rather than predetermined characteristics.