Jefferson deliberately opposed a National Bank and other institutions that make mercantile transactions possible. He believed that qualities of self-reliance, hard work, and thrift nurtured in an agrarian society were necessary qualities for government by assent to function. Will sides with Jefferson on the importance of collective character on maintaining a free and democratic society. He argues that government cannot be indifferent to the inner lives and qualities of its citizenry. The solution to maintaining a polity capable of self-government is not so clear.
Education is necessary, but there is more to it than that.
Knowledge is important, but not sufficient. Contemporary government plays a large role in the economy. Through taxes and regulation it encourages some activities while discouraging others. As people bend to these incentives, they begin to internalize the values embodied in such actions. What these internalize values are is a legitimate concern of government.