“The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865
- American
- Politician, lawyer
- As the 16th President of the United States, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation and led the Civil War to maintain the unity of the nation.
Quote
“The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.”
Explanation
This quote highlights the critical role that education plays in shaping society’s values and governmental structures over time. It suggests that the ideas, principles, and ideologies taught in the classroom today will influence the policies, leadership, and national direction in the future. In essence, education is a fundamental tool for the formation of public opinion and the development of civic responsibility. If future generations are educated with principles of freedom, justice, and democracy, those same principles will manifest in the political landscape in years to come.
For Abraham Lincoln, a self-educated man who understood the value of knowledge, this insight was particularly important. Lincoln’s own rise from humble beginnings to the presidency illustrates the power of education in shaping a person’s character and outlook. Moreover, his leadership during the Civil War reflected his belief in the educational values that formed the foundation of the United States, particularly the principles of liberty and equality. He recognized that the political decisions made during his presidency were deeply influenced by the cultural and educational context in which they were made. By advocating for the abolition of slavery, Lincoln was influencing the philosophy that would guide future generations, shaping the democratic ideals of the nation.
This quote remains highly relevant in modern times, particularly in discussions about curriculum and educational policy. Today, we see the long-term effects of how education, whether it be in the form of formal schooling or public discourse, can shape the attitudes of a society. For instance, the civil rights movements of the 20th century can be traced back to shifts in education, where changing views on race and equality gradually found expression in political change. Similarly, how current generations are taught about issues like climate change, human rights, and technology will directly affect the future policies and governmental actions regarding these concerns. Therefore, the educational systems of today are indeed laying the groundwork for the governing philosophies of tomorrow.
