Quote by Charles Babbage
That the state of knowledge in any country will exert a directive influence on the general system of instruction adopted in it, is a principle too obvious to require investigation.
Summary
This quote highlights the important role that the state of knowledge in a country plays in shaping its education system. It suggests that the level and scope of knowledge available in a society will naturally guide the way education is structured and delivered. In other words, the knowledge existing within a country's population will undeniably impact the overall approach and methods adopted in its educational institutions. Thus, this principle is seen as self-evident and doesn't necessitate further investigation.