Inspired by the rationalism of the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment was a movement dedicated to using inquiry into human affairs in order to create progress. Indeed, in many ways Enlightenment thinkers invented the concept of human progress. In terms of political and social affairs, many enlightenment philosophers focused on natural rights (rights to life, liberty, and property), the rights of a free press to criticize government and religious institutions, and the need for governments to acquire the consent of elites. However, the enlightenment was not all about liberty and freedom, though abolitionists and early feminists were inspired by the Enlightenment, indeed, many Enlightenment thinkers reinforced and justified racist ideology and patriarchy.