"The secret of freedom lies in educating people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant"
- Maximilien Robespierre
About this Quote
Maximilien Robespierre's quote speaks to the power of education in developing a free society. He recommends that informing individuals is the essential to liberty, while keeping them ignorant is the essential to tyranny. This suggests that understanding is a powerful tool in the fight for flexibility, which those in power can use lack of knowledge to keep their control. Robespierre's quote likewise recommends that education is a form of empowerment, as it offers individuals the understanding and skills to think seriously and make notified choices. Education can also help individuals comprehend their rights and how to protect them. By informing people, they can become more aware of their rights and be better geared up to fight for them. Eventually, Robespierre's quote highlights the significance of education in creating a free society and the dangers of keeping people oblivious.