Douglas's Argumentative Essay: Knowledge Is Power

The phrase, “Knowledge is Power,” is well known all across the world. Everyone agrees that the more you know, the more you are capable of doing. The more knowledge you have about certain specifics and broad concepts, the stronger you are. You are capable of achieving anything. Success is no longer a dream but instead a destination. The world is full of opportunities; however, if we are oblivious and unaware of such opportunities, how can we take full advantage of them? Frederick Douglas is a perfect example of how knowledge is power. He saw it all. Except, it was not until he was educated that he was able to make sense of what he had seen. I believe that it is necessary to receive an education, no matter what the costs. Frederick Douglas did not always agree with that statement. At times, he thought the costs outweighed the benefits. Specifically, he questioned whether learning to read was a benefit or a cost. In his narrative he said, “…learning to read had been a curse rather than a blessing” (PAGE). He spent the entirety of his adolescence as a slave. Before he learned how to read, he had no knowledge whatsoever that could liberate him. The only

From the moment I began attending school, I was set free. I learned something new every day that allowed me to discover the true meaning behind life and freedom. My teachers advocated knowledge and accelerated learning. They acknowledged my interest in learning and focusing on academics. This recognition led to challenging me in all aspects of my academic experience. Some students would back down from this challenge, but I looked at it as an opportunity. It was an opportunity to become an empowered individual in society. It is important to be educated in order to benefit future generations. If no one empowers the youth of our society, what will the world become? Since I have received a liberating education, I want the future generations to as