Skip to content

I do most anxiously wish to see the highest degrees of…

“I do most anxiously wish to see the highest degrees of education given to the higher degrees of genius and to all degrees of it, so much as may enable them to read and understand what is going on in the world and to keep their part of it going on right; for nothing can keep it right but their own…” quote by Thomas Jefferson
Download Open image
“I do most anxiously wish to see the highest degrees of education given to the higher degrees of genius and to all degrees of it, so much as may enable them to read and understand what is going on in the world and to keep their part of it going on right; for nothing can keep it right but their own vigilant and distrustful superintendence.”

Thomas Jefferson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He advocates for the highest education for the most gifted, emphasizing vigilance and self‑governance to maintain societal order.

In simple terms: Educate the gifted to safeguard society.

Key Takeaway

Invest in elite education.

Themes

education elitism citizen responsibility

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • higher education
  • policy reform
  • scholarships

Key Concepts

knowledge leadership self‑governance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to balance elite education with equity?
  • What safeguards prevent misuse?
A Different Perspective

Risk of elitism and inequality.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Thomas Jefferson

Explore all 2,098 Thomas Jefferson quotes

More Degrees quotes

Browse all 3,453 Degrees quotes