This is my last photo in the Jefferson series (2008). I took it from across the basin by the Capitol Mall in Washington, D.C.

Jefferson on education:

I feel ... an ardent desire to see knowledge so disseminated through the mass of mankind that it may, at length, reach even the extremes of society: beggars and kings. --Thomas Jefferson: Reply to American Philosophical Society, 1808.

And say, finally, whether peace is best preserved by giving energy to the government or information to the people. This last is the most certain and the most legitimate engine of government. Educate and inform the whole mass of the people. Enable them to see that it is their interest to preserve peace and order, and they will preserve them. And it requires no very high degree of education to convince them of this. They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty. --Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1787.

Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government. --Thomas Jefferson to Dr. Price, 1789.

Jefferson believed strongly in education for all, freely provided. He was an avid reader and his library was extensive, covering every possible subject. He loved learning and wanted us all to share knowledge unselfishly and generously for the betterment of everyone.