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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ignorance is the root of slavery, and human history is a struggle toward intelligence and freedom.
In plain terms
Not knowing things makes people slaves and learning frees them.
What can you take from it?
Education and intelligence are essential for true liberty.

Where it applies

  • learning
  • activism
  • policy

Putting it to work

  • educate yourself
  • spread knowledge

Questions to consider

  • What frees you?
  • How do you learn?

Another view

Knowledge does not always guarantee freedom.

More from Robert G. Ingersoll

  1. By this time the whole world should know that the real Bible has not yet been written, but is being written, and that it will never be finished until the race …

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  2. Nothing has been left undone by the enemies of freedom. Every art and artifice, every cruelty and outrage has been practiced and perpetrated to destroy the rig…

    Permalink to quote #37
  3. Why should man be afraid to think, and why should he fear to express his thoughts? Is it possible that an infinite Deity is unwilling that a man should investi…

    Permalink to quote #34

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