"I don't look to find an educated person in the ranks of university graduates, necessarily. Some of the most educated people I know have never been near a university"

John Keegan’s reflection reshapes commonly held associations between formal education and genuine intellectual development. A university degree is often regarded as a hallmark of education, conferring both status and assumed wisdom upon its holder. Yet, Keegan challenges this notion by recognizing that intellectual richness and educated thinking extend far beyond academic credentials. By acknowledging the limitations of equating a diploma with genuine understanding, he advocates for a broader, more inclusive vision of what it means to be educated.

Education, as Keegan implies, is not bound by institutional walls. Numerous individuals cultivate insight, discernment, and critical thought independently of formal schooling. These attributes arise through lived experience, personal study, curiosity, and a commitment to learning from diverse sources. Some who never had access to, or did not choose to pursue, university education possess a depth of knowledge and analytical ability that rivals or surpasses that of graduates. Recognition of this fact challenges societal assumptions and compels a re-examination of educational hierarchies.

Keegan’s stance encourages humility and open-mindedness. It reminds the reader that wisdom can be found among people from all walks of life, including those whose achievements and understanding are self-directed. Valuing only formal educational attainments can lead to overlooking individuals whose insights emerge through different paths, farmers who comprehend the patterns of nature, artisans attuned to the nuances of their craft, or autodidacts whose independent explorations foster unique perspectives. Such people may embody curiosity, adaptability, and practical intelligence, facets of education as vital as theoretical knowledge.

By decoupling education from institutional endorsement, Keegan’s perspective honors myriad ways people acquire and apply wisdom. The essence of being truly educated lies in the ongoing pursuit of understanding and the ability to thoughtfully engage with the world, irrespective of one’s academic pedigree. This view expands the definition of education, making it accessible, dynamic, and profoundly human.