How we cite our quotes: (Chapter, Paragraph)
Quote #10
"Respected sir, have I not already informed you that the quite new method, the strictly philosophical one, on which our office is founded, has led me and my associates to an enlarged study of mankind. It was my fault, if I did not, likewise, hint, that these studies directed always to the scientific procuring of good servants of all sorts, boys included, for the kind gentlemen, our patrons—that these studies, I say, have been conducted equally among all books of all libraries, as among all men of all nations." (22, 96)
Hoo-wee, we've got a doozy here. Okay, first of all, the PIO man says he himself has studied mankind in order to both understand and teach people. These lines are loaded, because the dude's making the case that education causes metamorphosis: you become a new person by being able to learn. This has been the case made about education for centuries.
The funny thing is that there's a debate about the ends of education, or its purpose. Is it to make you a better person? Is it to make you a better citizen? Is it to give you the skills you need to survive? Is it to give you knowledge that will set you free? For the PIO man, it's to make good, obedient servants. It's servant-training. Yikes. Seems like the education that has given the PIO man power over his own life is being used to undermine the lives of others.