Degrees Quote by Jim Jarmusch
“I went to graduate film school at NYU, and at first I didn't get a degree, because I took a scholarship that was supposed to pay my tuition, and I used it to make a film. For the longest time, I never actually graduated. And about 70 percent of the things I learned there I had to unlearn, but 30 percent was really valuable. It's like Mark Twain said, "Don't let school get in the way of your education."”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Talk at NYU Graduate Film School, 2018
Formal education can be inefficient; practical experience and selective learning matter more, echoing Twain's warning against letting school hinder true education.
In simple terms: School isn’t the only path to learning; experience counts.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize real-world learning over credentials.
Themes
education
experience
learning
film
career
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
practical
motivational
When to use this quote
- film production
- scholarships
- career development
- skill acquisition
- unlearning
Key Concepts
pedagogy
self-directed learning
Questions to Reflect On
- What skills have you unlearned?
- How do you balance theory and practice?
A Different Perspective
Formal degrees may still hold value for some.
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