In his book "Good Men," Arturo Pérez-Reverte highlights a critical perspective on power and knowledge. He suggests that leaders, from monarchs to government officials, harbor a deep fear of an educated populace. Education equips people with the ability to think critically and challenge authority, which can undermine the control that those in power seek to maintain.

Pérez-Reverte further asserts that the written word holds immense power. Good writers have the ability to influence thought and provoke change, which threatens those in positions of authority. This underscores the importance of literature and education in preserving freedom and fostering societal progress, as they empower individuals and can hold leaders accountable.