If you would rule the world quietly, you must keep it amused. I notice too, that the ground on which eminent public servants urge the claims of popular education is fear: This country is filling up with thousands and millions of voters, and you must educate them to keep them from our throats.

Summary

This quote implies that in order to maintain control over the world in a calm manner, it is necessary to distract and entertain the populace. The speaker suggests that influential public figures advocate for popular education not out of genuine concern for enlightenment, but rather out of fear that a large and educated voting population may pose a threat to their power. It suggests a cynical view of the motives behind promoting education, highlighting the self-serving nature of those in power.

Topics