–Ulysses S Grant, 18th President of the United States of America
Context for this quote shows a paternalistic, but somewhat progressive for that time, view arguing that African Americans, who had been enfranchised only a few years before, should be allowed to educate themselves in order to make them selves “worthy of their new privilege,” which was the vote. An educated and informed Public is a requirement of for any democratic form of government to function well.
Quote Number: 908
Source: Grant, Ulysses S. “Special Message to the Senate and House of Representatives,” Speech. Washington DC. March 30, 1870. Full text online here for context