Why do we say "A mind is a terrible thing to waste"?

Background:

This has been the slogan of the United Negro College Fund since 1972.

The UNCF, also known as the United Fund, was incorporated in 1944 by Frederick D. Patterson (then president of what is now Tuskegee University). It describes itself as the U.S.A's largest and most effective minority education organization. It funds scholarships for black students and general scholarship funds for 37 private historically black colleges and universities.

According to its website, the UNCF grants $83m to students each year supporting 12,000 scholarships and internships via more than 400 programs, with 86% of every dollar going to student support and scholarships.

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