From "John Adams" by David McCullough Page 415 The old, stubborn independence of his forebearers kept playing on his thoughts. It had been the bedrock of their integrity, and he was resolves to see it sustained. When his son Thomas wrote, expressing an interest in public life, Adams felt he was answering for generations of their line; "Public business, my son, must always be done by somebody. It will be done by somebody of other. If wise men decline it, others will not; if honest men refuse it, others will not. A young man should weigh well his plans. Integrity should be preserved in all events as essential to his happiness, through every stage of his existence. His first maxim then should be to place his honor out of reach of all men. In order to do this he must make it a rule never to come dependent on public employments for his subsistence. Let him have a trade, a profession, a farm, a shop, something where he can honestly live, and then he may engage in public affairs, if invited, upon independent priciples. My advice to my children is to maintain an independent character."
-Exactly, WW. There is a quote, perhaps from Adams, wherein the writer states our government was designed to be run by "yeomen" - farmers, teachers, etc. I wish I could find it again. It was very eloquently and succinctly written. How do you think the founders would receive the idea of "professional politicians?" lol
The quote also underscores the importance of avoiding the standardization of education.