Chapter V: Section VI

Supposed method of verifying the preceding representation of the
ignorance of the people.--Renewed expressions of wonder and
mortification that this should be the true description of the English
nation.--Prodigious exertions of this nation for the accomplishment of
objects foreign to the improvement of the people.--Effects which might
have resulted from far less exertion and resources applied to that
object.--The contrast between what has been done, and what might have
been done by the exertion of the national strength, exposed in a series
of parallel representations.--Total unconcern, till a recent period, of
the generality of persons in the higher classes respecting the mental
state of the populace.--Indications of an important change in the manner
of estimating them.--Measures attempted and projected for their
improvement.--Some of these measures and methods insignificant in the
esteem of projectors of merely political schemes for the amendment of
the popular condition.--But questions to those projectors on the
efficacy of such schemes.--Most desirable, nevertheless, that the
political systems and the governing powers of states _could_ be
converted to promote so grand a purpose.--But expostulations addressed
to those who, desponding of this aid, despond therefore of the object
itself.--Incitement to individual exertion.--Reference to the sublimest
Example.--Imputation of extravagant hope.--Repelled; first, by a full
acknowledgment how much the hopes of sober-minded projectors of
improvement are limited by what they see of the disorder in the
essential constitution of our nature; and next, by a plain statement, in
a series of particulars, of what they nevertheless judge it rational to
expect from a general extension of good education.--Answer to the
question, whether it be presumed that any merely human discipline can
reduce its subjects under the predominance of religion.--Answer to the
inquiry, what is the extent of the knowledge of which it is desired to
put the common people in possession.--Observations on supposed degrees
of possible advancement of the knowledge and welfare of the community;
with reflections of astonishment and regret at the actual state of
ignorance, degradation, and wretchedness, after so many thousand years
have passed away.--Congratulatory notice of those worthy individuals who
have been rescued from the consequences of a neglected education by
their own resolute mental exertions.

Essay on Popular Ignorance.

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."

_Hosea_.