Appreciate Quote by George Washington
“It has always been a source of serious reflection and sincere regret with me that the youth of the United States should be sent to foreign countries for the purpose of education. Although there are many who escape the danger of contracting principles unfavorable to republican governments, yet we ought to deprecate the hazard attending ardent and susceptible minds from being too strongly and too early prejudiced in favor of other political systems, before they are capable of appreciating their own.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: To a friend, 1790 (historical correspondence)
Washington regrets sending American youth abroad for education, fearing early political bias before they can appreciate their own system.
In simple terms: He worries early foreign education may bias youth.
Key Takeaway
Consider balanced education at home.
Themes
education
national identity
political influence
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- curriculum design
- parental guidance
Key Concepts
historical perspective
civic education
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we teach patriotism without indoctrination?
- What role should foreign study play?
A Different Perspective
Foreign exposure can shape political views prematurely.
![“Of all the errors which can possibly be committed to the education of youth, that of sending them to Europe is themost fatal. I see [clearly] that no American should come to Europe under 30 years of age.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/179/thomas-jefferson-43_age_of-all-the-errors-which-can-possibly-be_1072096.jpg)
