I feel it was sinister because the Prussian model was for the use of the state and the state doesn't respond to market signals. Therefore, it doesn't serve the people it serves itself. It seeks to have people march lockstep with its diktats. It produces weapons of mass instruction. Education not molested by the state would have to produce more critical thinkers.

The Prussian model of education had some very practical applications and is more centered to creating a literate work force necessary to a market economy.  I use the word ‘literate’ loosely, since this model is not known to produce great thinkers in as much as it produces good engineers, accountants and other specialist through the university level. You get the picture.  I don’t think it was a diabolical conspiracy from the onset, but in the wrong hands (Department of Education) it can be used to propagandize the general population, thus the spike in home schooling as a moral education was just as important.

The Edinburgh model of education on the other hand has produced most of the great thinkers in the western world.  If there is any doubt, read Arthur Herman’s “How the Scots Invented the Modern World”.  The contributions to western civilization by the Scottish educated under this model are extraordinary.  It is a shame that more of our Universities do not replica this exemplary form of education.  FYI: The Scottish Kirk first required mass education to ensure it citizenry could read the Holy Bible and as a result Scotland enjoyed the highest literacy rates in Europe in the 1600s. In 1696 the Scottish Parliament passed the “Act for Setting Schools” which solidified the necessity for educating every citizen by providing teachers in every parish.

While the Prussian model fails to create the critical thinkers necessary to a free society, it can provide a decent level of literacy.  The problem I have with public schools is the Department of Education.  In my opinion, that one act by former President Jimmy Carter put too much power in the hands of people we don’t know, don’t trust and don’t vote for.  In retrospect, since the department’s inception it has ruined the public educational system in America. At least most high school graduates can read and read for themselves if they so wish, just don’t expect critical thinkers from those indoctrinated in public schools.

I really appreciate this video!  I would like to have a link to it on a website I am building for an alternative  school but the web program I am using requires that the URL be in Youtube, Google Video, Metacafe, or Revver.  I  can't find it on YouTube or Google.  Can you?  Please help if you can!

One of the many reasons we homeschool our child.  Schools teach children what to think not how to think. Critical thinking is considered blasphemy in brick and mortar schools.  Borg mentality, you must assimilate.

Way before video on the internet there was a like article written on this very subject.  I found it interesting then and I find it just as interesting now.

veryy good!!

interesting video

nice  video

History is go0d..nice video!

History was my worst subject!

Good video - a bit controversial - but you are eliciting a reaction which is always good.

not sure what to say on this one............

I love history!  Very educational!  =)

nice video:D

good history

i love how old videos are used in this video