If our legislature does not heartily push our University…
![“If our legislature does not heartily push our University [of Virginia] we must send our children for education to Kentucky [Transylvania College] or Cambridge [Harvard College]. The latter will return them to us as fanatics and tories, the former will keep them to add to their population.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/191/thomas-jefferson-43_add_if-our-legislature-does-not-heartily-pus_1816270.jpg)
“If our legislature does not heartily push our University [of Virginia] we must send our children for education to Kentucky [Transylvania College] or Cambridge [Harvard College]. The latter will return them to us as fanatics and tories, the former will keep them to add to their population.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Jefferson warns that neglecting public education will force reliance on distant institutions, producing radical or overly conformist citizens.
In simple terms: Neglecting education leads to external influences on citizens.
Key Takeaway
Invest in local education to shape informed citizens.
Themes
education
politics
citizenship
Mood
concerned
optimistic
Type
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- school funding debates
- curriculum design
- community college support
- parental involvement in schools
Key Concepts
public policy
national identity
intellectual independence
Questions to Reflect On
- What are effective ways to fund public education?
- How can curricula balance critical thinking with civic values?
A Different Perspective
Building schools locally may face resource constraints and political opposition.