How to subdue a country by withholding an education and keeping secrets…is that us?
His focus was diverting human energy to only agricultural and military tasks. All other endeavors were taboo, including the arts and education. Rule was by elevating the state above the individual and family.
“ And Shang Yang warns darkly: “The people in the whole country have changed, they have taken to eloquence and find pleasure in study; they have started to engage in various crafts and trade; they have begun to neglect agriculture and war. If this trend continues, the hour of death is near for the land.” (84: p. 152) In olden times, he says, things were not this way: “The gifted were of no use and the ungifted could do no harm. Therefore, the art of ruling well consists precisely in the ability of removing the clever and the gifted.” (84: p. 231) Finally, this idea is expressed in its most naked form: “If the people are stupid, they can be easily governed.” (84: p. 237)”
From: The Socialist Phenomenon by Igor Shafarevich
