Knowing is what counts. To know one's country and govern it with that knowledge is the only way to free it from tyranny

Knowing is what counts. To know one's country and govern it with that knowledge is the only way to free it from tyranny

José Martí, a Cuban national hero and key figure in the fight for Cuban independence from Spanish colonial rule, believed strongly in the power of knowledge and understanding in the struggle for freedom. He famously said, "Knowing is what counts. To know one's country and govern it with that knowledge is the only way to free it from tyranny." This statement encapsulates Martí's belief that true liberation can only come through a deep understanding of one's country and a commitment to governing it in a way that reflects that understanding.

Martí's emphasis on knowledge as a tool for liberation was rooted in his own experiences and observations of the Cuban struggle for independence. He recognized that the Spanish colonial authorities maintained their power through ignorance and oppression, and that the only way to break free from this tyranny was through education and enlightenment. Martí himself was a highly educated and intellectual individual, who used his knowledge and understanding of Cuban history, culture, and politics to inspire and mobilize others in the fight for independence.

Martí's call to "know one's country" goes beyond mere awareness of its geography or history. It is a call to truly understand the complexities of one's nation – its people, its struggles, its aspirations. Martí believed that only by deeply knowing and appreciating one's country could one effectively govern it in a way that would lead to true freedom and prosperity. This knowledge, he argued, was essential for building a strong and united nation capable of resisting external oppression and internal division.

Martí's ideas on knowledge and governance have enduring relevance in the context of contemporary struggles for freedom and democracy. In an age of misinformation and manipulation, the importance of knowledge and understanding in shaping effective governance and resisting tyranny cannot be overstated. Martí's legacy serves as a reminder of the power of education, enlightenment, and informed leadership in the fight for justice and liberation. As we continue to confront challenges to democracy and human rights around the world, Martí's words remain a powerful call to action: to know our countries, to govern them wisely, and to work towards a future free from tyranny.