The world we build tomorrow is born in the stories we tell our children today. Politics moves the pieces. Education changes the game.

The quote “The world we build tomorrow is born in the stories we tell our children today. Politics moves the pieces. Education changes the game.” by Jonathan Sacks emphasizes the long-term power of education and storytelling in shaping society. Sacks, the former Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom and a renowned philosopher, believed that the values and narratives instilled in children ultimately determine the direction of the future. While political action influences circumstances, it is the stories and lessons passed on that form the foundation of cultural identity and moral vision.

By stating that “politics moves the pieces,” Sacks acknowledges the importance of political systems and governance in creating immediate changes. Yet he contrasts this with “education changes the game,” highlighting that true transformation lies not just in shifting policies but in reshaping how people think, learn, and imagine their roles in the world. Education equips individuals with the knowledge and wisdom to go beyond temporary fixes and to build a more just and sustainable society.

The reference to “stories we tell our children” underscores the formative role of cultural narratives, traditions, and moral teachings. Stories transmit values, provide identity, and inspire vision. For Sacks, ensuring that children inherit narratives of hope, responsibility, and compassion is essential for building a better tomorrow. Without these guiding stories, even the best political structures lack a moral compass.

The origin of this quote lies in Sacks’s broader body of work on ethics, religion, and education. In his writings and speeches, he often emphasized the interconnection between culture, values, and leadership. His words remind us that while politics and power shape the present, it is education and storytelling that ultimately determine the trajectory of the future.