But, Jefferson worried that the people - and the argument goes back to Thucydides and Aristotle - are easily misled. He also stressed, passionately and repeatedly, that it was essential for the people to understand the risks and benefits of government, to educate themselves, and to involve themselves in the political process. Without that, he said, the wolves will take over. Carl Sagan
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Thomas Jefferson and the Founding Fathers of the United States of America were not afraid that the people of their country would be easily misled. Jefferson and the other founders knew that the people had to educate themselves on the benefits of their government and they had to involve themselves in its workings. Without that, the people would be easy prey for large corporations and powerful special interests.

Source: The Demonhaunted World: Science As A Candle In The Dark

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