Today, I am thankful for those espousing ideas that support the advancement of all humanity, not just the elite or privileged.
Yesterday, we focused on the happiness that springs forth from horse races, but today I turn my attention to the happiness espoused by Horaces. Let me explain.
As many of you know, a central theme of our nation’s democratic principles, as outlined in the Declaration of Independence, is that all citizens are entitled to the pursuit of happiness. To achieve happiness, one must first acquire knowledge. But, how does someone garner knowledge? Knowledge spring forth from one’s experiences or study of information. Humans have been seeking knowledge since the beginning of time.
Horace, the great lyric poet of the Roman Empire, may have said it best: “Begin, be bold, and venture to be wise.”
On this day (May 4) when we honor Star Wars, I could even point to Horace Vancii, a citizen of Naboo and Queen Amidala’s personal advisor. In his role, he educated the young queen on social, political, and economic matters. May the Fourth be with you!
But, the real Horace that gave us the most cogent understanding of the power of knowledge was none other than Horace Mann, an American statesman and renowned educational reformer who was born on this day (May 4) and lived in the Antebellum Period of the early 19th Century. As the son of a poor farmer, Horace’s childhood was one of despair and severe suffering. Horace received no formal education, lest for about 6 weeks of undisciplined schooling in any given year. This is because, after the American Revolution ended, public schooling was not viewed as an essential need. However, Horace thirsted for knowledge, so when he finished his chores on the farm, he would spend endless hours at the Franklin Library in Boston, the first public library in America. Within those walls, Horace was afforded a gift he could receive nowhere else – free access to books, pamphlets, and literature. After attending and graduating valedictorian from Brown University, he matriculated his way through Litchfield Law School. Legal skills in hand, he had a successful career as a state legislature in Massachusetts, first in House of Representatives and then in the Senate. During his career, he ardently campaigned for public education, infrastructure, and social reform (including the end to slavery). When the state created the Massachusetts Board of Education, Horace found his calling, becoming the first Secretary of the Borad. After sacrificing his lucrative career as a politician, he focused entirely on establishing public schools (aka ‘common schools’) through the entire Bay State.
Espousing to the belief that citizens should no longer remain ignorant, Horace prescribed to 5 principles for public education:
It should be paid for, controlled, and sustained by an interested public;
It should be best provided in schools that embrace children of diverse backgrounds;
It should be non-sectarian;
It should be taught using the tenets of a free society;
It should be provided by well-trained, professional teachers.
So, he did just this. In his 11 year tenure as the Secretary, Horace transformed Massachusetts into the formidable leader of public school education. Other states would soon follow suit.
As a product of the public school system, I am thankful for the vision, foresight, and resolve that Horace Mann gave to all Americans. My own children are benefitting from this same powerful, public education.
In sum, Horace Mann secured an important victory for humanity.
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