Along with family and religion, education is one of the most important aspects of society. Fredrick Douglass realized the importance of a good education by learning to read and later becoming a writer, author, and advocate for African Americans, women, and many others. In the story of Frederick Douglass's life, An American Slave, we learn the significance and importance of Douglass's learning to read, the effect that the institution of slavery had on both whites and blacks , and why learning to read threatened the institution of slavery in general. It was important for Frederick Douglass to learn to read because he could teach other slaves to read. In the extract, Douglass states: “Mistress, in teaching me the alphabet, had given me the thumb, and no precaution could prevent me from taking the yardstick” (80). Knowledge was dangerous in those days. When Douglass taught slaves to read, he helped them gain some knowledge of themselves. He could also gain knowledge that his slave master didn't want him to know, such as roads or things that could help him escape. The fact that Douglass was able to read was important because it made him an empowered black man. If Frederick Douglass had never learned to read, he would not have been the political activist he was. He probably never would have escaped and probably wouldn't have shared the knowledge he gained. The institution of slavery affected both blacks and whites. White and black children didn't understand why they couldn't be friends with each other. Douglass spoke well of the white boys he knew because they were not as knowledgeable as adults and so he was able to create a relationship with them. No one is born with prejudices. A person must learn these methods, so do... middle of paper ... still very important. Many people take education for granted because they don't fully understand the fact that people before us died to give us what we have. Having an education not only benefits everyone, but also greatly influences the future of our society. An educated population represents a strong nation. Ignorance is one of the greatest tools used against us. Slave owners wanted their slaves to ignore the facts, but Douglass had a vision for himself and future generations. Frederick Douglass understood this, and he also understood the value of education. Education determines a person's future outcomes. How can anyone expect to be competitive and successful in today's world without education? Not having an education means still being under the control of others. Even though Douglass was from a different era, his values ​​and virtues remain true..