RIP John Taylor Gatto: The Man Who Exposed The Real History Of The State Education System

The world’s most courageous teacher, and a true hero of our times, John Taylor Gatto, has passed away. Gatto’s work exposed the origins and purposes of the government-ran compulsory school system, which he demonstrated, beyond any doubt, was intended to create obedient people who will joyfully serve the state and giant corporations.

John was a public school teacher for 30 years, and spent another 20 years as a world renowned speaker on education giving over 1500 speeches in 9 countries. In 1991, despite being the two-time New York State Teacher of the Year, he quit school teaching with a public announcement on the op-ed page of the Wall Street Journal, saying, “I can’t teach this way any longer. If you hear of a job where I don’t have to hurt kids to make a living, let me know.”

That article, entitled “I quit, I think” is one of the most scathing criticisms of state-schooling ever written. Gatto then became obsessed with researching the true origins of the state-schooling system, mapping out what he described as “an ominous continuity” involving early industrialists, bankers, the eugenics movement and social-Darwinism. In short, a very ‘toxic-soup’ which is still being force-fed to our children today.

Understanding Gatto’s research, is essential to understanding the dire situation we find ourselves in. His passing is a great loss to the research community, and to the world at large. Like all great thinkers, his work is sure to become ever more important and recognised over the years to come.

The video I’ll post in the comments section, is taken from an epic 5 hour video interview, exploring the history of education and political power called “The Ultimate History Lesson: A Weekend with John Taylor Gatto,” which was released in 2012.

One month after the interview was recorded, John had a stroke that ended up paralyzing half of his body. Despite the physical difficulties involved with paralysis, he continued to write essays, sometimes using his one index finger to type. These essays will be published and distributed in the coming months and years.

In 2017, his life’s Work, “The Underground History of American Education” was republished, and I would struggle to think of any book more worthy of buying.

“I teach how to fit into a world I don’t want to live in. I just can’t do it anymore.” — John Taylor Gatto

“Grades don’t measure anything, other than your relevant obedience to a manager.” — John Taylor Gatto

“Schools stifle family originality by appropriating the critical time needed for any sound idea of family to develop – then they blame the family for its failure to be a family.”
— John Taylor Gatto

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