"Four years was enough of Harvard. I still had a lot to learn, but had been given the liberating notion that now I could teach myself"

John Updike's quote speaks to the idea that formal education is not the only method to learn. He recommends that after four years of studying at Harvard, he had actually learned enough to be able to teach himself. This implies that he had actually gained the abilities and understanding required to continue learning on his own. This is an effective statement, as it recommends that formal education is not the only way to gain understanding and skills. It also suggests that self-teaching is a practical alternative for those who wish to continue learning. This quote speaks to the concept that education is not restricted to the classroom, and that one can continue to learn and grow even after official education has actually ended. It is a tip that knowing is a lifelong procedure, and that one can continue to grow and develop even after official education has actually ended.