Laws for the liberal education of youth, especially of the lower class of people, are so extremely wise and useful, that, to a humane and generous mind, no expense for this purpose would be thought extravagant.

John Adams (1735–1826) American lawyer, Founding Father, statesman, US President (1797–1801)

Letter (1776-04) to George Wythe, “Thoughts on Government”
    (Source)

This is taken from the printed edition of the influential essay, believed to be from the version Adams sent to George Wythe of Virginia.