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 wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The people are the only safe keepers of ultimate power. If they lack wisdom, educate them rather than stripping their authority.
- In plain terms
- Trust the people with power, but teach them how to use it wisely.
- What can you take from it?
- Education is the remedy for an unenlightened populace, not removing their vote.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you educate without indoctrinating?
- Who decides what enlightenment looks like?
Another view
Educating the public takes time and resources that may not be immediately available.
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