How did we get here?

“It is no ordinary work which we are set to do, and it comes to us under no ordinary conditions.… The hungry eyes of toiling millions are turned, with mingled hope and fear, upon us, to see what new and better solution we can possibly offer of the great problems on which their well-being and destiny depend.”

John Milton Gregory, first University of Illinois regent, in his inaugural address

John Milton Gregory knew. We all are better when we are all better informed.