This book presents speeches and essays by Jane Addams, from the period between 1893 and 1930, that present a view of education as a broad process of cultural transformation and renewal, as the foundation of democracy. Among the topics presented are: (1) an exploration of some of the problems women faced upon graduating from college and returning home; (2) the practical and applied value of knowledge; (3) educational reform as a necessary step toward more fundamental political reform; (4) the value of the exchange of knowledge, skill, and experience between different nationalities and generations; and (5) the need for respecting ethnic and national diversity as a basis for Americanism and good government. Descriptions of some of the educational activities at Chicago's Hull House are also provided. (GLR)