Acquire Quote by Ivan Illich
“Most people acquire most of their knowledge outside school, and in school only insofar as school, in a few rich countries, has become their place of confinement during an increasing part of their lives.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Deschooling Society, 1971
Formal education often confines learning, while most knowledge comes from informal experiences outside school.
In simple terms: School can limit learning; most knowledge is gained elsewhere.
Key Takeaway
Seek learning beyond formal institutions.
Themes
education
knowledge acquisition
social critique
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- workplace training
- community projects
- self‑directed study
Key Concepts
informal learning
critical pedagogy
lifelong education
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance formal education with informal learning?
- What informal sources have shaped your most important skills?
A Different Perspective
Formal schooling may still provide essential credentials and structure for some.
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
