Formal education is essential. Without understanding the basics (with “the basics” meaning “years of schooling”), you have no foundation on which to grow further. However, the further growth is where the real value lies.
In his book “Selling in a Post-Trust World“, author Larry Levine shares a simple quote from Jim Rohn that says:
“Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.”
A solid formal education will add security and value to any life. However, almost everyone that has become wildly successful has done it with a huge focus on self-education. It’s like I shared a few months ago:
I recently decided to dig in to understand the reading habits of some of the most successful people in recent decades, and quickly found one common thread: they all love to read. All of them. I have no doubt that there are exceptions, but my initial digging didn’t find any.
Take your formal education as far as you possibly can, as there are increasing benefits as you go along. However, when that time comes to an end, you have the chance to go even further and surpass almost everyone around you. Take it.
