"An ignorant people is the blind instrument of its own destruction"

This quote by Simon Bolivar speaks to the power of knowledge and education. He is alerting that a people who are not educated and informed are susceptible to adjustment and exploitation. Without understanding, they are unable to make educated choices and are easily swayed by those in power. This absence of understanding can lead to disastrous repercussions, as the people are unable to acknowledge the dangers they are dealing with and are not able to take action to protect themselves. Bolivar is emphasizing the value of education and understanding in order to safeguard a people from their own destruction. He is cautioning that without knowledge, an individuals are unable to acknowledge the dangers they face and are not able to act to safeguard themselves. Education is necessary in order to empower an individuals and secure them from exploitation and adjustment.