I consider my education to be the first 10 years of my career.

Olivia Wilde’s quote reflects her view that education extends beyond formal schooling and should include the practical experiences gained in the early stages of a career. By saying that she considers the first 10 years of her career as her true education, Wilde suggests that real-world experiences, challenges, and learning from others in the professional environment are as crucial, if not more so, than traditional academic education. This view emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and learning throughout one's career, rather than seeing education as something that ends after formal schooling.

The quote also points to the idea that career development involves learning lessons that cannot always be found in textbooks or classrooms. For Wilde, the first decade of her career served as a formative period where she gained practical knowledge, honed her skills, and figured out what works in her industry. It underscores her belief that experience is a valuable form of education, especially in creative and dynamic fields like acting, where adaptability, resilience, and learning from failure are integral.

Wilde’s perspective reflects the notion that formal education is only one part of a larger picture of personal and professional development. The idea of considering the initial years of a career as part of one's education aligns with the broader understanding that learning is an ongoing process that continues long after one leaves school. It suggests a more holistic view of education that combines both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

The origin of this quote comes from Wilde’s own career in the entertainment industry, where she has built a reputation not just as an actress, but as a director and producer as well. Her statement reflects her evolving role in the industry and the lessons she has learned through her work, highlighting the value she places on hands-on experience in shaping her career.