The article outlines the pivotal role of education in Lithuania's survival, tracing its evolution from early secret schools to a formal education system. It emphasizes that every time education was strengthened, society thrived, whereas its suppression directly weakened growth prospects. The history reflects a pattern of both progress and oppression, showcasing how various political regimes viewed education as a threat to their authority, leading to systematic attempts to limit educational access.

It highlights a crucial turning point with the establishment of the Educational Commission in 1773, which became Europe's first education ministry and initiated extensive reforms towards universal and compulsory education. This shift underscored the importance of education for the future of the state, aiming to cultivate an informed citizenry. However, the subsequent annexation of Lithuania by the Russian Empire in 1795 led to the repression of these progressive ideas and initiatives, stunting the development of a fully formalized educational system.

Furthermore, the article discusses the lingering effects of these educational constraints, particularly after significant uprisings such as the 1831 rebellion, which saw institutions like Vilnius University close. The suppression of education not only hindered individual potential but also had broader implications for national identity and independence. In essence, the narrative of Lithuanian education encapsulates both a struggle for self-expression and a critical avenue towards achieving and maintaining statehood.