1820. “I know no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesom discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion by education. This is the true corrective of abuses of constitutional power.” (to Wiliam C. Jarvis, 28 September)
from: http://www.monticello.org/reports/quotes/education.html
(methinks you hooked an unintended fish…)
Mmmm… tasty libertarianism!!! Empowering people to think for themselves and take responsibility for their own actions! Not forming a nanny state, nor a police state! Valuing true education (not just rote memorization) as a fundamental necessity! Yay critical thinking!
… [*ahem*]
Yes… well… hmm… good man, that Jefferson.
🙂
Once again I am rabid platonist in your eyes, Stephen. True, I like the concept of the wise philosopher-king ruler, but I also recognize that he’s not easy to find. For lack of a better option, I suppose I’ll give power to the people.
Furthermore, I agree with Jefferson that the people require education if they are to govern themselves effectively. That said, America already throws gobs of money at the education problem, yet few Americans would be considered “educated” by Jeffersonian standards. How else could we have an inarticulate, ignorant, and spoiled Texan in the White House? Apparently, the people don’t care much for education in themselves or the leaders. Yes, we do give much lip service to the wonders of knowledge and learning. In reality, we’re really praising education as a process that imparts practical skills over intellectual character.
all nice and dandy in theory, but human nature should force one not to give credence to even half of those thoughts. they are far too optimistic of the ability of the hordes of ignorant masses to become educated. most people are far too stupid to learn how to add fractions, let alone govern themselves. this is why government must, necessarily, from time to time, ignore the will of the people and do what is right for them, not what the masses think they want.
but who are the people smart enough to know what’s best? tricky question. one for which i don’t have a good answer, save that time seems to prove that eventually the right decisions are made regardless of the will of the people. it seems to me that our government notices the future from a few diamonds in the rough, then forces the majority of the people to evolve for the better and usually against their will.
no, libertarianism is one of the worst form of government i can think of.
Preach it, girlfriend.