Skip to content

It is understood that when we speak of history we do not…

“It is understood that when we speak of history we do not allude to the unspeakable trash contained in public school text-books (which in general resemble a cellar junk-shop of chronologies, epaulettes, bad drawings, and silly tales, and are a striking instance of the corrupting influence of State…” quote by Voltairine de Cleyre
Download Open image
““It is understood that when we speak of history we do not allude to the unspeakable trash contained in public school text-books (which in general resemble a cellar junk-shop of chronologies, epaulettes, bad drawings, and silly tales, and are a striking instance of the corrupting influence of State management of education, by which the mediocre, nay the absolutely empty, is made to survive)….””

Voltairine de Cleyre

About This Quote

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

Public school textbooks often distort history, reflecting state control and preserving mediocrity.

In simple terms: Textbooks can be biased.

Key Takeaway

Question official narratives.

Themes

education history politics critical thinking

Mood

critical skeptical

Type

political educational

When to use this quote

  • school curricula
  • policy debates
  • media literacy
  • parental guidance

Key Concepts

state influence propaganda historical distortion

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you verify historical facts?
  • What role should citizens play in curriculum reform?
A Different Perspective

Alternative sources may also be biased; not all state curricula are corrupt.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Voltairine de Cleyre

Explore all 50 Voltairine de Cleyre quotes

More Education quotes

Browse all 37,666 Education quotes