MASSACHUSETTS CONSTITUTION
PART II - The Frame of Government
Chapter V, Section 2 - The Encouragement of Literature, etc.
Wisdom, and knowledge, as well as virtue, diffused generally among the
body of the people, being necessary for the preservation of their
rights and liberties; and as these depend on spreading the
opportunities and advantages of education in the various parts of the
country, and among the different orders of the people, it shall be the
duty of legislatures and magistrates, in all future periods of this
commonwealth, to cherish the interests of literature and the sciences,
and all seminaries of them; especially the university at Cambridge,
public schools and grammar schools in the towns; to encourage private
societies and public institutions, rewards and immunities, for the
promotion of agriculture, arts, sciences, commerce, trades,
manufactures, and a natural history of the country; to countenance and
inculcate the principles of humanity and general benevolence, public
and private charity, industry and frugality, honesty and punctuality in
their dealings; sincerity, good humor, and all social affections, and
generous sentiments among the people.