Jefferson states there cannot be freedom where there is ignorance. These two have never, nor will ever, coexist in adherence with logic and the nature of free will.
Free citizens have the ability to make decisions for themselves. Yet, individuals must base their decisions on a knowledge of themselves and their environments. An individual can only be free if they first are knowledgeable enough to self-govern. Thus, education leads to self-awareness, leads to self-government, leads to democracy.
Educated men should be able to recognize and understand their own freedom. Jefferson furthers this in saying, “general education will enable every man to judge for himself what will secure or endanger his freedom” (School, 22). Jefferson says educated
