America Quote by John Taylor Gatto
“Is there an idea more radical in the history of the human race than turning your children over to total strangers whom you know nothing about, and having those strangers work on your child's mind, out of your sight, for a period of twelve years? Could there be a more radical idea than that? Back in Colonial days in America, if you proposed that kind of idea, they'd burn you at the stake, you mad person! It's a mad idea!”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Underground History of American Education, John Taylor Gatto, 2009
The quote condemns compulsory schooling as a radical, alienating system that removes children from parental influence and places them under state control for years.
In simple terms: Compulsory schooling is a radical removal of parental control over children’s minds.
Key Takeaway
Question the purpose and impact of mandatory education.
Themes
education
control
parenthood
Mood
critical
provocative
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- parent‑child relationships
- policy debates
- alternative schooling
- home schooling
Key Concepts
Social engineering
state authority
child development
Questions to Reflect On
- What would a society look like without formal schools?
- How can we balance state education with parental rights?
A Different Perspective
The system may also provide socialization and basic skills that families cannot supply alone.
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