I don't look to find an educated person in the ranks of university graduates, necessarily. Some of the most educated people I know have never been near a university.

The quote by John Keegan challenges the common assumption that university graduates are the most educated individuals. Keegan expresses the view that being educated does not always require formal education or a university degree. He suggests that some of the most educated people he knows have never set foot in a university, implying that true education can come from a variety of experiences outside the traditional academic path.

Keegan’s statement emphasizes that education is not solely defined by academic credentials but by a person’s ability to think critically, gain knowledge through life experiences, and apply wisdom in practical situations. By referencing individuals who have never attended a university, he highlights that learning can occur through different avenues such as self-study, practical experience, and personal growth, which may be just as valuable, if not more so, than a formal education.

The origin of this quote reflects Keegan’s broader perspective on education and its value in shaping an individual. As a military historian and author, Keegan himself likely valued diverse forms of learning and experience, including those acquired outside the confines of academia. His view is also aligned with a more modern understanding of intelligence and education, where formal degrees are not the sole indicators of knowledge or capability.

Ultimately, Keegan’s words challenge the traditional notion that a university degree is the definitive measure of an educated person. His statement serves as a reminder that true education is a lifelong pursuit, one that can be shaped by various sources of knowledge and experience, not just those gained within the walls of a university.