"I didn't write because in the corps I took mining engineering of all things and, you know, they, they graduate a mining engineer as a sort of an illiterate"

In this quote, cartoonist and creator Rube Goldberg humorously reflects on his instructional background and its unanticipated trajectory. He points out that he pursued mining engineering throughout his time in school, usually the College of Mining, which may metaphorically be referred to as "the corps" in this context. This option is represented as rather unexpected or ironic, provided Goldberg's ultimate career path as a cartoonist known for his satirical and intricate inventions.

The key phrase to think about is "they finish a mining engineer as a sort of an illiterate," which is a self-deprecating comment suggesting that his engineering education may not have equipped him with the literary abilities or the disposition required for writing. In calling himself "a sort of an illiterate," Goldberg does not mean he is actually unable to read or write; rather, he humorously downplays the significance of his degree to literary or creative pursuits.

Goldberg's light-hearted review might also show a more comprehensive commentary on specialized technical education and its possible limitations in promoting other abilities, such as imagination and communication. In the early 20th century context, when Goldberg got his education, engineering curricula may have been greatly focused on technical and useful skills, with less focus on the more comprehensive liberal arts education that promotes narrative and linguistic proficiency.

This quote likewise suggests a sense of irony, as Goldberg successfully used his visual storytelling and wit to acquire fame, becoming a recognized journalist and cartoonist. His capability to make fun of the incongruity between his official education and his real career highlights his flexibility and the humor with which he approached his life and work. In essence, Goldberg's statement encapsulates a self-aware reflection on his unconventional journey, celebrating the complex nature of his skills beyond what his formal education might have suggested.