---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Formal education makes you a living…"
description: "\"“Formal education makes you a living, self-education makes you a legend.”\" — Habeeb Akande"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6b1/habeeb-akande-3134_education_formal-education-makes-you-a-living-self_1847960.jpg"
---

#  Formal education makes you a living, self-education makes…

![“Formal education makes you a living, self-education makes you a legend.” quote by Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6b1/habeeb-akande-3134_education_formal-education-makes-you-a-living-self_1847960.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6b1/habeeb-akande-3134_education_formal-education-makes-you-a-living-self_1847960.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6b1/habeeb-akande-3134_education_formal-education-makes-you-a-living-self_1847960.jpg)

> ““Formal education makes you a living, self-education makes you a legend.””

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Formal schooling provides a livelihood while personal learning creates lasting impact and distinction.

**In simple terms:** School gives a job; self‑learning creates a legacy.

Key Takeaway

Invest in self‑education.

Themes

education self‑development legacy

Mood

inspirational determined

Type

motivational philosophical

When to use this quote

- career advancement
- creative projects
- skill mastery
- entrepreneurial ventures

Key Concepts

personal growth career entrepreneurship

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you balance formal credentials with self‑learning?
- What legend do you want to leave?

A Different Perspective

Self‑education may lack formal credentials that some fields require.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Education](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/education/) [Formal education](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/formal-education/) [Inspirational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inspirational/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Self education](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-education/)

## Related quotes

> [“formal education gets you a job, but self-education is what makes you rich!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/formal-education-gets-you-a-job-but-self-education-is-what-makes-you/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [The IWGP title makes me a legend. I've committed half my life to this, and it's worth all the sacrifice. Not only was it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kenny-omega/the-iwgp-title-makes-me-a-legend-i-ve-committed-half-my-life-to-this/)

[Kenny Omega](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kenny-omega/)

> [Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune. A successful business owner never stops learning. They educate themselves on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/formal-education-will-make-you-a-living-self-education-will-make-you/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [“Formal education will earn you a living. Self-education will earn you a fortune.” Jim Rohn”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joanna-penn/formal-education-will-earn-you-a-living-self-education-will-earn-you/)

Joanna Penn

> [Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-rohn/formal-education-will-make-you-a-living-self-education-will-make-you-2/)

[Jim Rohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-rohn/)

> [Formal education enhances what you do, self-education nourishes who you are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/formal-education-enhances-what-you-do-self-education-nourishes-who/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [A person should design the way he makes a living around how he wishes to make a life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlie-byrd/a-person-should-design-the-way-he-makes-a-living-around-how-he-wishes/)

[Charlie Byrd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlie-byrd/)

> [I have made a sculpture … you will never be finished with it – when you pass around it or see it against the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-rn-utzon/i-have-made-a-sculpture-you-will-never-be-finished-with-it-when-you/)

Jørn Utzon

> [Craft against craft makes no living.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-herbert/craft-against-craft-makes-no-living/)

[George Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-herbert/)

> [Life, in a sense, is living and surviving. And all that makes for living and surviving is good. He who follows the fact cannot…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-london/life-in-a-sense-is-living-and-surviving-and-all-that-makes-for-living/)

[Jack London](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-london/)

> [MARRIAGE, Is only compatible when the man makes a living and his wife makes living worthwhile;](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nikhil-saluja/marriage-is-only-compatible-when-the-man-makes-a-living-and-his-wife/)

[Nikhil Saluja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nikhil-saluja/)

> [When your dad makes a living as a children's singer, you figure, 'I can do anything.' He made up his own job and did…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-grammer/when-your-dad-makes-a-living-as-a-children-s-singer-you-figure-i-can/)

[Andy Grammer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-grammer/)

> [It's who you get to share life with, not the actual experiences, that makes living so worthwhile.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/troy-aikman/it-s-who-you-get-to-share-life-with-not-the-actual-experiences-that/)

[Troy Aikman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/troy-aikman/)

> [I wish to suggest that a man may be very industrious, and yet not spend his time well. There is no more fatal blunderer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/i-wish-to-suggest-that-a-man-may-be-very-industrious-and-yet-not/)

[Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/)

> [“It's the dying that makes the living matter.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kelly-sue-deconnick/it-s-the-dying-that-makes-the-living-matter/)

[Kelly Sue DeConnick](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kelly-sue-deconnick/)

## More by Habeeb Akande

> [“The real failure is not the one who falls down, it's the one who refuses to get up.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/the-real-failure-is-not-the-one-who-falls-down-it-s-the-one-who/)

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

> [“Never let anyone tell you, your Black is not beautiful.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/never-let-anyone-tell-you-your-black-is-not-beautiful/)

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

> [“Sarcasm is one of the many services I offer to people who ask stupid questions!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/sarcasm-is-one-of-the-many-services-i-offer-to-people-who-ask-stupid/)

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

> [“Stupid people will mistake your confidence for arrogance.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/stupid-people-will-mistake-your-confidence-for-arrogance/)

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

> [“A good woman keeps her mind right and her body tight.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/a-good-woman-keeps-her-mind-right-and-her-body-tight/)

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

> [“Money brings you the women you want, struggle brings you the women you need.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/money-brings-you-the-women-you-want-struggle-brings-you-the-women-you/)

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

> [“Stop making excuses, start making changes!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/stop-making-excuses-start-making-changes/)

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

> [“All work and no play will make you sad and grey!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/all-work-and-no-play-will-make-you-sad-and-grey/)

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

> [“Arrogance is thinking you are above someone else, Confidence is knowing no one is above you.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/arrogance-is-thinking-you-are-above-someone-else-confidence-is/)

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

> [Fake friends are like shadows: always near you at your brightest moments, but nowhere to be seen at your darkest hour True friends are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/fake-friends-are-like-shadows-always-near-you-at-your-brightest/)

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

> [“Often the best advice is not to seek advice.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/often-the-best-advice-is-not-to-seek-advice/)

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

> [“Life without a cause will have no effect.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/life-without-a-cause-will-have-no-effect/)

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

> [“Learn to love your haters, they are a wonderful source of inspiration.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/learn-to-love-your-haters-they-are-a-wonderful-source-of-inspiration/)

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

> [“A good woman is a pleasured treasure.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/a-good-woman-is-a-pleasured-treasure/)

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

> [“Gone are the days when girls used to cook like their mothers and boys used to dress like their fathers. Now girls drink like…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/gone-are-the-days-when-girls-used-to-cook-like-their-mothers-and-boys/)

[Habeeb Akande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

[Explore all 138 Habeeb Akande quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/)

## More Education quotes

> [I put myself in the student's place and remember the frustrations, doubts, determination, and desires I felt when I was going through the initial…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-martinez/i-put-myself-in-the-student-s-place-and-remember-the-frustrations/)

Ted Martinez

> [“In school you are taught to obey and not to think straight for your own good. Otherwise the world would be full of millionaires…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mwanandeke-kindembo/in-school-you-are-taught-to-obey-and-not-to-think-straight-for-your/)

[Mwanandeke Kindembo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mwanandeke-kindembo/)

> [For successful education there must always be a certain freshness in the knowledge dealt with. It must be either new in itself or invested…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alfred-north-whitehead/for-successful-education-there-must-always-be-a-certain-freshness-in/)

[Alfred North Whitehead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alfred-north-whitehead/)

> [Where I grew up, learning was a collective activity. But when I got to school and tried to share learning with other students that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-giroux/where-i-grew-up-learning-was-a-collective-activity-but-when-i-got-to/)

[Henry Giroux](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-giroux/)

> [There's no authoritarian structure at Reed College, but the education is conservative. So what you have is a lot of students who are very…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-miller/there-s-no-authoritarian-structure-at-reed-college-but-the-education/)

[Donald Miller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-miller/)

> [“What's the best thing about being in college? Good teachers. They inspire you, they entertain you, and you end up learning a ton even…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicholas-sparks/what-s-the-best-thing-about-being-in-college-good-teachers-they/)

[Nicholas Sparks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicholas-sparks/)

> [“If one has not a head of steel it will burst; if he has not within it a brain of liquid quicksilver, he will…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ioannes-amos-commenius/if-one-has-not-a-head-of-steel-it-will-burst-if-he-has-not-within-it/)

Ioannes Amos Commenius

> [“let us not teach / what we have learned badly / and not profited by”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/h-d-hilda-doolittle/let-us-not-teach-what-we-have-learned-badly-and-not-profited-by/)

H.D. (Hilda Doolittle

> [“It took me years to learn to sit at my desk for more than two minutes at a time, to put up with the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erica-jong/it-took-me-years-to-learn-to-sit-at-my-desk-for-more-than-two-minutes/)

[Erica Jong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erica-jong/)

> [According to Plato, we don't learn anything. Our soul has lived so many lives that we know everything. Teachers and education can only remind…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chuck-palahniuk/according-to-plato-we-don-t-learn-anything-our-soul-has-lived-so-many/)

[Chuck Palahniuk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chuck-palahniuk/)

> [“I only began to enjoy studying after I got through the educational system and became a so-called member of society. If something interested me,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-only-began-to-enjoy-studying-after-i-got-through-the-educational/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [If you had made the acquiring of ignorance the study of your life, you could not have graduated with higher honor than you could…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-twain/if-you-had-made-the-acquiring-of-ignorance-the-study-of-your-life-you/)

[Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/)

> [How wonderful it would be, I thought, if only we could practice the teachings of the Buddha as he really taught them from his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dzogchen-ponlop-rinpoche/how-wonderful-it-would-be-i-thought-if-only-we-could-practice-the/)

[Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dzogchen-ponlop-rinpoche/)

> [English teachers tend to put more thought in the books than the author did](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/english-teachers-tend-to-put-more-thought-in-the-books-than-the/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [When will society, like a mother, take care of all her children?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/horace-mann/when-will-society-like-a-mother-take-care-of-all-her-children/)

[Horace Mann](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/horace-mann/)

[Browse all 37,666 Education quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/education/)

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "“Formal education makes you a living, self-education makes you a legend.”",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Habeeb Akande"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/formal-education-makes-you-a-living-self-education-makes-you-a-legend/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Education"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/formal-education-makes-you-a-living-self-education-makes-you-a-legend/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6b1/habeeb-akande-3134_education_formal-education-makes-you-a-living-self_1847960.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6b1/habeeb-akande-3134_education_formal-education-makes-you-a-living-self_1847960.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6b1/habeeb-akande-3134_education_formal-education-makes-you-a-living-self_1847960.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“Formal education makes you a living, self-education makes you a legend.” — Habeeb Akande",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Habeeb Akande",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/habeeb-akande/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "“Formal education makes you a living,...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/formal-education-makes-you-a-living-self-education-makes-you-a-legend/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/habeeb-akande/formal-education-makes-you-a-living-self-education-makes-you-a-legend/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
