If a ruler suffers subjects to be ill-educated, and then punishes them for crimes they commit in their ignorance, what else can we conclude but that he first makes thieves and then punishes them!
The quote highlights the responsibility of rulers in the education and moral development of their subjects. It suggests that if a leader allows their people to remain uneducated, they are indirectly creating a society prone to crime and wrongdoing. When such individuals commit offenses due to ignorance, blaming and punishing them seems unjust, as the ruler has a duty to ensure their well-being and knowledge.
This brings forth the idea that governance is not only about authority but also nurturing and protecting the citizenry. A just ruler should prioritize education to cultivate a mindful and informed populace instead of merely seeking retribution for their failures caused by a lack of guidance.
