To furnish the means of acquiring knowledge is . . . the greatest benefit that can be conferred upon mankind. It prolongs life itself and enlarges the sphere of existence.
Source: From an Internet collection of quotations.
-- John Quincy Adams, (Jul 11 1767-1848), US president (6th); The Second John was the 6th U.S. president; son of John Adams; catalyst behind Monroe Doctrine, 1823.