Thomas Jefferson believed that an informed citizenry
was essential for a functioning republic. To that end, when the Library of Congress was burnt by the
British in the War of 1812, he donated his own rich collection as part of the
rebuilding effort.
As you might guess from the name, the Library
functions as the research arm of the U.S. Congress. But, with millions of
books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts in its
collections, it is also the largest library in the world.
Those touring the building are looking up in this
photo I took while I was in our nation’s capital last November. The immediate
object of their view were the murals on the ceiling being described by our
guide. But I think they were also looking up because they were properly awed that so much information is available even to citizens with the least
resources.
As much as anything, this election has been about
the use and misuse of information, truth and falsehood. At some point, I think, the Library of
Congress and others across the country will need not just to make a wealth of
information available, but also to teach citizens how to evaluate it. Unless
Americans learn the value of critical thinking—a skill woefully underused this
past election—I fear for the direction of this country.
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