Authority Quote by John Dewey
“The devotion of democracy to education is a familiar fact. The superficial explanation is that a government resting upon popular suffrage cannot be successful unless those who elect and who obey their governors are educated. Since a democratic society repudiates the principle of external authority, it must find a substitute in voluntary disposition and interest; these can be created only by education.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Democracy and Education, 1916
Democracy relies on educated citizens; education creates voluntary participation and shared values.
In simple terms: Education fuels democratic participation.
Key Takeaway
Invest in education for a healthy democracy.
Themes
democracy
education
citizenry
Mood
thoughtful
serious
hopeful
Type
philosophical
political
educational
When to use this quote
- school curricula
- public policy
- community organizing
- voter education
Key Concepts
social contract
public good
civic responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can education be made truly inclusive?
- What other factors support democratic health?
A Different Perspective
Education alone cannot fix systemic inequality.
![“The devotion of democracy to education is a familiar fact. . . . [A] government resting upon popular suffrage cannot be successful unless those who elect . . . their governors are educated.” quote by John Dewey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/197/john-dewey-545_being-successful_the-devotion-of-democracy-to-education-i_802790.jpg)
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