---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: what I was given to study in school I…"
description: "\"“what I was given to study in school I have forgotten; what I decided to read on my own, I still remember.”\" — Nassim Nicholas Taleb"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/214/nassim-nicholas-taleb-352_education_what-i-was-given-to-study-in-school-i-ha_548736.png"
---

#  what I was given to study in school I have forgotten; what…

![“what I was given to study in school I have forgotten; what I decided to read on my own, I still remember.” quote by Nassim Nicholas Taleb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/214/nassim-nicholas-taleb-352_education_what-i-was-given-to-study-in-school-i-ha_548736.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/214/nassim-nicholas-taleb-352_education_what-i-was-given-to-study-in-school-i-ha_548736.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/214/nassim-nicholas-taleb-352_education_what-i-was-given-to-study-in-school-i-ha_548736.png)

> ““what I was given to study in school I have forgotten; what I decided to read on my own, I still remember.””

[Nassim Nicholas Taleb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nassim-nicholas-taleb/)

## About This Quote

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

Self-directed learning sticks longer than formal education because it aligns with personal curiosity and relevance.

**In simple terms:** Personal study lasts longer.

Key Takeaway

Pursue learning that matters to you.

Themes

learning memory curiosity

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

- career development
- personal projects
- lifelong learning
- skill acquisition

Key Concepts

self‑directed education retention intrinsic motivation

Questions to Reflect On

- What subjects have you taught yourself that still resonate?
- How can you make formal learning more personally relevant?

A Different Perspective

Formal curricula may lack relevance, leading to quick forgetting.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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