In 1786, Jefferson pitched a secular and public system of…
““In 1786, Jefferson pitched a secular and public system of education for Virginia. He reasoned that “the tax which will be paid for this purpose is not more that the thousandth part of what will be paid to [the] kings, priests, and nobles who will rise up among us if we leave the people in ignorance.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advocates public education to prevent elite domination, arguing taxes for schooling are minimal compared to aristocratic privileges.
In simple terms: Public schooling prevents power concentration.
Invest in universal education.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- school reform
- community budgeting
- citizen voting
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does education affect civic power?
- What barriers exist to universal schooling?
Funding may face political resistance.