A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy; or, perhaps, both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance. And a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.

James Madison (1751–1836) American statesman, political theorist, US President (1809–17)

Letter to W. T. Barry (4 Aug 1822)