Without such a foundation of knowledge, people are more vulnerable to manipulation, coercion, and oppression by those who seek to limit or undermine liberty. They may not recognize or fully appreciate the value and significance of their own rights and freedoms, and may be less inclined or able to defend them when they are threatened.
Education plays a crucial role in fostering this general knowledge among the people, as it provides individuals with the necessary tools to think critically, understand the historical and philosophical foundations of liberty, and make informed decisions about the preservation and promotion of their rights and freedoms.
In summary, the quote emphasizes that a lack of knowledge among the people can lead to a decline in the preservation of liberty and the erosion of individual freedoms and rights, making it imperative that society places a strong emphasis on education and the dissemination of knowledge to safeguard and maintain a free society.