The quote you provided appears to emphasize the importance of education in shaping the moral and ethical development of individuals from a young age. This perspective aligns with policies related to educational reform, preventive education, and social welfare programs aimed at promoting virtue and civic responsibility.
One significant policy that could be influenced by such a quote is the establishment of universal public education systems that focus not only on academic knowledge but also on moral and character development. This aligns with various educational movements throughout history that sought to integrate character education into curricula, such as the development of moral education programs and social-emotional learning initiatives in schools.
Additionally, it may also relate to broader social policies that prioritize early childhood education and family support programs, which aim to instill good habits and prevent negative behaviors through structured and supportive environments for children.
If you're looking for a specific historical context, this quote could fit into the Enlightenment era or even the Progressive era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when there was a strong emphasis on education as a means of improving society and fostering responsible citizenship.