All the learnin' my father paid for was a bit o' birch at one end and an alphabet at the other

All the learnin' my father paid for was a bit o' birch at one end and an alphabet at the other

The quote "All the learnin' my father paid for was a bit o' birch at one end and an alphabet at the other" is a powerful statement that reflects the harsh reality of education in the 19th century, particularly for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. This quote is often associated with the renowned English novelist George Eliot, who was known for her insightful observations on society and human nature.