I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the…
““I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves ; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education. This is the true corrective of abuses of constitutional power.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Power belongs to the people; education is the safeguard against misuse.
In simple terms: People need education to use power wisely.
Key Takeaway
Promote civic education to protect democracy.
Themes
democracy
citizen empowerment
education
Mood
concerned
hopeful
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- voting
- public policy
- community organizing
- school curricula
Key Concepts
political theory
civic responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can education be made truly inclusive?
- What barriers prevent informed civic participation?
A Different Perspective
Education alone may not change entrenched interests.