Education is freedom

by james W. keyes

Education is Freedom provides the “what,” “why,” and “how” of learning. It outlines the importance of education for all mankind, the power of education to change our world, and the wisdom to unlock our personal freedom while reserving our democracy.

Education is the one common denominator that separates those who are free from those who are trapped in their own reality. Someone can take your money, your material things, and your job…but they can’t take away what you know. With knowledge, you can replace anything lost, you can be free to explore the world, and are beholden to no one. Whatever challenges or adversity you face in life, embracing a learning mentality will empower you and set you free.

About jim

Jim is a global business leader, philanthropist, educator, artist, musician, commercial pilot, and modern renaissance man. He is the former CEO of two internally recognized Fortune 500 companies, 7-Eleven, Inc, and Blockbuster, Inc. His other business interests cover a broad range of industries including retail, consumer products, technology, new space, energy, and advanced nuclear. He sits on several public company boards and serves as a board adviser to a venture capital firm and a number of start-up companies.

Keyes’ philanthropic initiatives, have an equally broad focus, including serving on the Board of Governors for the American Red Cross, the former Chairman of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and serving on the board of directors for institutions such as UT Southwestern Medical School, The Cooper Institute, Dallas Performing Arts Center, SMU Cox School of Business, Columbia Business School, and his alma mater, College of the Holy Cross.

He has had a lifelong commitment to education, serving as a founding director of the Dallas Education Foundation and is the founder of the Education is Freedom Foundation. A personification of the American Dream, Keyes came from his humble beginnings and was inducted in 2005 as a member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans.     

  • “My 2005 Horatio Alger Classmate, Jim Keyes, is a living example of the American Dream. His roadmap to success through lifelong learning will take you to infinity and beyond!"

    Dr. Buzz Aldrin, Brigadier General, Apollo 11

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  • “Jim Keyes’ book, Education is Freedom, reinforces the idea that education is not merely a privilege but a fundamental human right, a key to unlocking doors of opportunity and a pathway to realizing one's dreams. An educated electorate is an absolute prerequisite to the future of democracy. Educación es Libertad!”

    President Vicente Quesada and Martha Fox, Former President and First Lady of Mexico

  • "In his book, Education is Freedom, Jim Keyes has captured the essence of education as the key to unlocking opportunity for all. The book is a must read for young people, providing a roadmap to their learning journey. It is also a reminder for all of us that lifelong learning is a path to fulfillment. Education is, indeed, a forever commitment."

    Indra Nooyi, Former Chairman & CEO, Pepsico

  • “James Keyes benefitted from learning music and his instrument at a young age, and he credits music for building his character and leading to his success. But music is a lifetime of learning. I am motivated by the great composers who wrote sometimes hundreds of years ago but continue to touch millions of people and will do so forever. Music helps me explore languages, history, art and culture. Music is self-reflection and a music instrument is a lifelong friend who never betrays you. I applaud Jim’s new book for reminding us that education truly is the most important opportunity we can offer children.”

    Fabio Luisi, Music Director, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, principal conductor, Danish National Symphony Orchestra; chief conductor, NHK Symphony Orchestra.

  • "Education is Freedom provides a roadmap to the personal and collective growth of humanity. This book will remind you of the infinite possibilities of your life. Education can be the rocket fuel that will propel you to the fulfillment of your dreams."

    Bernard A Harris, Jr., MD Astronaut

  • “My friend Jim Keyes is committed to the service of others. His book, Education is Freedom is a self-help guide for humanity, reminding each of us of the power of education and lifelong learning to transform lives.”

    Charlie Duke, Brigadier General, Lunar Module Pilot, Apollo

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  • “The key to unlocking our human potential is now brilliantly available thanks to my friend Jim Keyes, who reveals the secrets to unlimited future freedom. Read, use, and share the eclectic wisdom in this must-read book!”

    Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of The Chicken Soup for the Soul.

  • “Education is Freedom provides a roadmap for anyone to experience the American Dream. For the individual, education is the key to success. For our country, education is the key to a working democracy. For our world, education is the key to the future of mankind. May this roadmap be your inspiration for a successful flight through life”.

    Barbara Barrett, 25th Secretary of the Air Force

  • “As a passionate advocate of lifelong learning, I heartily agree with James Keyes' approach to understanding the what, how and why to learn. Knowledge is power, but ‘Education is Freedom!’”

    Harvey Mackay, author of the New York Times #1 bestseller “Swim With the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive

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