I fancy any member of parliament would tell us that there is no class of men which has less actual influence on public affairs.

These scholars have more knowledge than manufacturers and shipowners, squires and farmers; but do you find that they have more power over the Government and the votes of the House of Parliament ?" "They ought to have," said Leonard.
"Ought they ?" said the parson; "we'll consider that later.

Meanwhile, you must not escape from your own proposition, which is, that knowledge is power,--not that it ought to be.

Now, even granting your corollary, that the power of a class is therefore proportioned to its knowledge, pray, do you suppose that while your order, the operatives, are instructing themselves, all the rest of the community are to be at a standstill?
Diffuse knowledge as you may, you will never produce equality of knowledge.

Those who have most leisure, application, and aptitude for learning will still know the most.