Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Economic Times
The Economic Times
Muskan Singh

Quote of the Day by one of the world's bestselling living philosophers Ryan Holiday: 'We should not trust the masses who say only the free can be...'- Here's a powerful quote on freedom, wisdom, and the true meaning of education by The Daily Stoic author

Quote of the Day by Ryan Holiday : In a world where information is everywhere but true wisdom feels increasingly rare, Ryan Holiday’s words offer a powerful reminder about the connection between knowledge and freedom. The quote of the day explores a timeless idea: education is not just about collecting facts, but about developing the ability to think, question, and understand.

Quote of the Day

The quote of the day reads:

We should not trust the masses who say only the free can be educated, but rather the lovers of wisdom who say that only the educated are free.” — Ryan Holiday

This reflection challenges the way people often view freedom. Holiday suggests that real freedom does not simply come from having no restrictions. Instead, it comes from learning, self-awareness, and the ability to make thoughtful choices.

READ ALSO: French Proverb of the Day: 'Happiness is not something that comes out of a box, it comes from your own actions-' A meaningful lesson about creating your own joy

What Ryan Holiday Means by “Only the Educated Are Free”

Ryan Holiday’s quote focuses on a deeper definition of freedom. Many people associate freedom with having complete independence or the ability to do whatever they want. However, Holiday argues that without knowledge and wisdom, people can easily become controlled by fear, emotions, distractions, or the opinions of others.

For Holiday, education is not limited to classrooms or degrees. It is a lifelong practice of reading, thinking, reflecting, and improving oneself. A person who understands the world around them has more power over their own decisions.

The quote also reflects ideas found in ancient philosophy, especially the belief that wisdom is the foundation of a meaningful life. The “lovers of wisdom” are those who seek truth rather than simply follow popular opinions.

READ ALSO: Spanish Proverb of the Day: 'When you love someone you’ll suffer pain...'- A deep lesson about the cost of caring and love

The Difference Between Information and Wisdom

In the modern age, people have access to more information than ever before. News, social media, books, and online resources make it easy to learn about almost anything. Yet information alone does not always create wisdom.

Ryan Holiday often emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and critical thinking. A person may know many facts but still struggle to understand themselves or make good decisions. True education requires the ability to analyze, question, and apply knowledge in everyday life.

His quote suggests that wisdom gives people independence from manipulation. When someone learns how to think clearly, they become less likely to be controlled by trends, emotions, or outside pressure.

READ ALSO: Quote of the Day by Franz Kafka: 'Reality is too heavy for people, so they rent illusions...' -A powerful lesson that exposes our search for escape by the Absurdist fiction novelist known for his Kafkaesque writing style

Who Is Ryan Holiday?

Ryan Holiday is an American author, writer, and media strategist known for bringing ancient philosophy into modern conversations about personal growth, leadership, and resilience.

Born in 1987, Holiday became interested in philosophy and self-improvement at a young age. He left college at 19 and began working with author Robert Greene, an experience that shaped his approach to writing and strategy, as per Ryan Holiday. net.

Holiday later worked in marketing before becoming a full-time writer. His books, including The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and The Daily Stoic, have introduced millions of readers to Stoic philosophy and practical lessons for modern life.

His work often explores themes such as discipline, humility, emotional control, and the importance of continuous learning.

READ ALSO: Quote of the Day by Lao Tzu: 'Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes...' - A timeless lesson about accepting life’s journey

How Education Creates Personal Freedom

The message behind Holiday’s quote is that freedom begins internally. A person who understands their values and thinks independently is harder to influence or control.

Education gives people the tools to recognize opportunities, avoid poor decisions, and navigate challenges. It encourages curiosity and helps people move beyond assumptions.

This idea is especially relevant today, when people are constantly exposed to opinions, advertisements, and endless streams of content. The ability to pause, evaluate information, and form independent thoughts has become a valuable skill.

For Ryan Holiday, becoming educated is not about appearing intelligent. It is about building a stronger mind and a more intentional life.

READ ALSO: Quote of the Day by street artist and political activist Banksy: 'I don’t know why people are so keen to put the details of their private life in public...' - The graffiti artist known for his anti-authoritarian art offers a thought-provoking quote about why staying invisible can be the ultimate superpower

A Philosophy That Goes Beyond the Classroom

Ryan Holiday’s quote reminds us that education is a lifelong journey. The wisest people are often those who remain curious and willing to learn.

True freedom is not simply the absence of rules or limitations. It is the ability to understand ourselves, control our actions, and choose our path with awareness. In that sense, education becomes more than a tool for success. It becomes a foundation for living with purpose.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.