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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.” quote by Alan Taylor
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““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.””

Alan Taylor

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.

Key Takeaway

Invest in universal education.

Themes

education equality politics

Mood

critical inspirational

Type

policy historical

When to use this quote

  • school reform
  • community budgeting
  • citizen voting

Key Concepts

public policy taxation social mobility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does education affect civic power?
  • What barriers exist to universal schooling?
A Different Perspective

Funding may face political resistance.

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