What a wretched circle this poor way of reasoning among…
““What a wretched circle this poor way of reasoning among the Men draws them insensibly into. Why is learning useless to us? Because we have no share in public offices. And why have we no share in public offices? Because we have no learning. They are sensible of the injustice they do us, and therefore are reduced to the mean shift of cloaking it at the expence of their own reason. But let truth speak for once: Why are they so industrious to debar us that learning we have an equal right to with themselves, but for fear of our sharing with, and outshining them in, those public offices they fill so miserably? The same sordid selfishness which urged them to engross all power and dignity to themselves, prompted them to shut up from us that knowledge which wou'd have made us their competitors.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People in power hoard knowledge to protect their positions, preventing broader learning and perpetuating inequality.
In simple terms: Powerful block knowledge to stay dominant.
Key Takeaway
Challenge information monopolies.
Themes
politics
education
inequality
power
knowledge
Mood
critical
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- public education
- community workshops
- media literacy
- activism
Key Concepts
elitism
social control
information access
Questions to Reflect On
- Why is knowledge hoarding harmful?
- How can societies democratize learning?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched systems requires collective action and risk.