“It is sad that the Persians, in their ancient constitution, had public schools in which virtue was taught as a liberal art or science; and it is certainly of more consequence to a man, that he has learned to govern his passions; in spite of temptation to be just in his dealings, to be temperate in his pleasures, to support himself with fortitude under his misfortunes, to behave with prudence in all affairs, and in every circumstance of life; I say, it is of much more real advantage to him to be that qualified, then to be a master of all the arts and sciences in the world beside.”
—Benjamin Franklin, Smyth 2:106. (1729.)