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We now see that the gang of sleazy racketeers headed by John Dewey has attained its goal. We realize that the public schools have been for many years a vast brainwashing and brain-contaminating machine that has worked, on the whole, with great efficiency. It's a machine to which we send our children to have their minds filled with grotesque and debasing superstitions; to have their instincts of integrity and honor leached from their souls; to be incited to premature debauchery and perversion; to be imbued with thoughtless irresponsibility; and to be prepared for addiction to mind-destroying drugs and an existence below the animal level. The public schools have indeed been the most powerful single engine of subversion that our enemies have used upon us.

Revilo P. Oliver#7

CriticismSocietyEducationMorality

About this quote

What does it mean?
The author claims public schools brainwash children and degrade morals and intellect.
In plain terms
Public schools are accused of harming children's minds and values.
What can you take from it?
Critics may view education systems as tools for social control.

Where it applies

  • critiquing education
  • discussing schooling

Putting it to work

  • evaluate educational content
  • question institutional goals

Questions to consider

  • What role should schools play in values?
  • How do you judge an education system?

Another view

This view dismisses potential benefits and diversity in schooling.

More from Revilo P. Oliver

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  2. Every campus, of course, also has its rabble of young 'liberals,' who are forever making a din as they 'demonstrate' for 'world peash,' 'snivel rights,' and th…

    Permalink to quote #8
  3. The decay of our culture since 1941 can be measured by the fact that academic historians today are no longer interested in historical truth or interested in it…

    Permalink to quote #5

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