Stupid people stopped reading

 Indiana Palladium / Lawrenceburg, Dearborn County, Jan. 7, 1825

NEWSPAPERS

Newspapers are things that can be dispensed with -- as costing money that might be saved. So is the schooling of our children -- so, indeed, are nine-tenths of which it costs us to live. Almost any man might lay up money every year if he would live on bread and water, and clothe himself in the cheapest manner he could -- but what of that?

Who would live like a brute and die like a beggar, for the mere pleasure of saving money which he cannot carry hence with him -- though like a dead weight, it may hang upon his soul at the last moment of his mortal existence! There are few such -- five or ten in a million; and what wretched creatures are they? 

Most men, sensible that they must die, are disposed to enjoy a little of the fruits of their toils; and nothing is perhaps more necessary to the enjoyment of society, of self-satisfaction in retirement, than a well-informed and virtuous mind. It gives a zest to all things in prosperity, and is the best resource in adversity.

Newspapers though not always conducted with talents and respectability, are the best possible channels for obtaining an acquaintance with the affairs of the world, and to implant desires in the hearts of youth for more solid readings, as he goes on to maturity. 

In truth, they are the great engine that moves the moral and political world, and are infinitely powerful to establish the character of a people, as well as to preserve their liberties; and cannot be so easily disposed with as some persons believe -- unless, indeed, we think the trouble with self-government is too great, and agree to transfer the power of the state to the few that are ready to use it for their own advantage.

But this cannot be the will of the people of the United States; yet observing, however, the top general repugnance to reading, it is the duty of those who feel the pleasure and profit of it, to smooth the way to it and afford every facility that light and knowledge may be diffused. 

"An armed people and an unarmed magistracy," said (John) Dickinson, "is the best guarantee of freedom."

And while the body of the people read, reason and reflect -- while the press is free and liberally supported, the sword of the magistracy is pointless, except it is directed to execute the will of the people.

How important then is it that will should result from an enlightened mind?