For 13 years, I struggled with education and have only just realised that I was actually struggling to protect myself from it. I was trying to protect my soul.

The quote by Michael Leunig, “For 13 years, I struggled with education and have only just realised that I was actually struggling to protect myself from it. I was trying to protect my soul”, expresses his deep skepticism toward conventional schooling. Leunig suggests that the structure of formal education often imposes conformity, suppressing creativity and individuality. His struggle was not simply with learning itself, but with a system that threatened to erode his inner freedom and the authenticity of his soul.

The origin of this reflection comes from Leunig’s personal experiences as both an artist and social commentator. Known for his whimsical cartoons and poetic insights, he has often critiqued aspects of modern life, including politics, consumerism, and institutional systems like education. His remark reveals how he viewed school as something that could stifle imagination, and how his resistance was an unconscious act of self-preservation to safeguard his creative spirit.

By framing his struggle as an attempt to protect his soul, Leunig elevates the conversation about education beyond academics. He points to the emotional and spiritual cost that rigid schooling can have on sensitive or unconventional minds. In his view, true learning should nurture the soul, not diminish it through excessive discipline, standardization, or pressure.

Ultimately, Leunig’s quote is both personal and universal. It invites reflection on the purpose of education and whether it fosters genuine growth or suppresses individuality. His words remind us that while knowledge is valuable, protecting the soul—the source of creativity, joy, and authenticity—must remain at the heart of any meaningful learning experience.