Meaning: This quote by Thomas Jarvis, a politician, succinctly captures the stark contrast between the outcomes that can stem from education and enlightenment as opposed to those that result from indulgence and recklessness. The comparison drawn between the school-room and the bar-room serves as a powerful metaphor for the divergent paths individuals can take in life, based on the choices they make and the environments they immerse themselves in.

The first part of the quote, "The school-room sends men to the Legislature, to the bench, and the executive office," highlights the positive impact of education and learning. It emphasizes that a formal education can open doors to influential and prestigious positions in society. By referencing the Legislature, the bench (presumably referring to the judiciary), and the executive office, Jarvis suggests that the school-room can propel individuals into roles where they have the opportunity to make significant contributions to the governance, justice, and administration of their communities and beyond.

On the other hand, the second part of the quote, "The bar-room sends them to the scaffold and hell," paints a starkly different picture. The bar-room, a place associated with alcohol consumption and often characterized as a setting for revelry and indulgence, is contrasted with the school-room. The reference to the scaffold evokes the idea of punishment and execution, suggesting that the choices made in the bar-room can ultimately lead to dire consequences and a tragic end. Additionally, the mention of hell invokes the notion of damnation and suffering, implying that the path of indulgence and recklessness can lead to spiritual and moral ruin.

This quote underscores the profound impact of our choices and the environments we inhabit. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the potential consequences of our actions and the company we keep. By juxtaposing the school-room and the bar-room, Jarvis underscores the critical role of education, discipline, and personal responsibility in shaping the destinies of individuals and society as a whole.

In a broader societal context, this quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the influence of education, upbringing, and personal conduct on the trajectory of individuals and the collective well-being of communities. It suggests that the values instilled in educational settings and the virtues of knowledge and enlightenment can lead to positive, constructive outcomes, while the vices and excesses associated with environments like the bar-room can lead to ruinous and destructive paths.

Moreover, the quote can also be seen as a reflection of the power dynamics and moral dimensions of leadership and influence. It implies that individuals who are nurtured in the school-room, whether through formal education or the cultivation of knowledge and wisdom, are more likely to ascend to positions of authority and responsibility, where they can potentially shape the course of society for the better. Conversely, those who succumb to the temptations and perils of the bar-room, metaphorically representing the allure of vice and self-destruction, are more likely to meet tragic ends and perpetuate negative influences in the world.

In conclusion, Thomas Jarvis' quote encapsulates the profound contrast between the outcomes that stem from education and enlightenment, as opposed to those that result from indulgence and recklessness. It serves as a powerful reminder of the pivotal role of personal choices, environments, and values in shaping the destinies of individuals and the collective fabric of society. The juxtaposition of the school-room and the bar-room underscores the enduring relevance of education, discipline, and ethical conduct in navigating the paths of life.