Victorian Christmas
A gloriously strange Christmas to you all.
Jefferson On Ignorance
“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be. An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy.”
Yes, I know I'm featuring a lot of quotes recently and that some of our forefathers are making an appearance. I need to remind myself more every day because I don't know what happened to us but I know we're better than this.
Aaron Burr
“London, February 1, 1812. Have spent 14 shillings and 6 pence magnificently; i.e., like an ass. ”
John Adams on free governments
In 1776 John Adams was receiving letters from those frustrated with a perceived lack of progress towards independence and self rule. In response to one such letter Adams warned of the exceedingly dangerous task ahead. With regards to the notion of a ‘free government’ Adams wrote:
“… But I fear that in every assembly, members will obtain an influence by noise not sense. By meanness, not greatness. By ignorance, not learning. By contracted hearts, not large souls.”
2016 looms.