The phrase "Knowledge is Power" is carved into the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Inside you can find finds from past and present centuries. In the numerous rooms divided by time periods and world powers, there are numerous relics describing the differences between class systems and how knowledge has increased over the centuries. The increase in knowledge can be linked to the success and power of each world power. Likewise, the books highlight these same differences and link learning and knowledge to freedom and success. There are also many examples that focus on the connection between social class and the ability to acquire knowledge. In “The Land of Opportunity,” James W. Loewen highlights the link between class systems and knowledge by arguing that many times individuals in a higher class system have more opportunities to learn and succeed, while those in a higher social class lower they have fewer opportunities. to gain knowledge. In contrast, Frederick Douglass challenges this generalization by expressing his personal experience as a slave and how acquiring knowledge gave him power and a sense of freedom. In both of these pieces, knowledge is a crucial factor in each individual's outcomes; however, an individual's social status is not the decisive factor in increasing knowledge and success. Determination and the desire to use the power gained from knowledge in beneficial ways can be more powerful than social barriers. Many times, determination is stronger than the bonds between class systems. Douglass's personal example highlights the truth of this statement. He was originally born a slave, but taught himself to read despite the repercussions that followed from his master and his mistress. Ingeniously, in the middle of the card, individuals have an equal opportunity to gain knowledge. Every individual who walks through the marble halls of the Museum of Art in New York City can gain insight into times gone by and how they have influenced the time we live in today. Likewise, books today emphasize the importance of knowledge and the power it can create in individual lives regardless of social class. It is up to each person to take advantage of this process and use it to become successful and empowered. Works Cited Douglas, Frederick. "Learning to read and write." Nd www.pasadena.edu. PDF file.Dumas, Alexandre. The Count of Monte Cristo. Trans. Robin Buss. New York: Penguin, 1996. Print.Loewen W., James. “The land of opportunities”. From investigation to academic writing. Eds. Stuart Greene and April Lidinsky. 2nd ed. Boston/New York. Bedford/St. Martin's, 2012. 201 205. Print.