The education that prepared me was my general education classes, which I tried to avoid when I was a stupid undergraduate, but which gave me the foundation of general knowledge that makes a career as a writer possible.

Orson Scott Card’s quote reflects on the often-overlooked value of general education classes. As a young undergraduate, he admits he once tried to avoid them, dismissing their importance. However, he later realized that these courses provided the foundation of general knowledge essential for his career as a writer. His reflection highlights how a broad, well-rounded education nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to draw connections across disciplines—qualities necessary for effective storytelling.

The origin of this quote comes from Card’s personal academic journey before becoming a celebrated author, best known for Ender’s Game. Like many students, he initially undervalued general education requirements, preferring more specialized or seemingly practical courses. Yet as his writing career developed, he recognized that those early classes in subjects like history, literature, and philosophy enriched his perspective, equipping him with the background knowledge to craft complex worlds and believable characters.

The meaning of the quote also underscores the importance of breadth over narrow specialization in creative professions. While technical skills are necessary, the richness of a writer’s work often depends on exposure to diverse ideas and disciplines. Card’s acknowledgment suggests that general knowledge fuels imagination and helps writers engage with universal themes, making their work more relatable and profound.

Ultimately, Card’s reflection serves as advice to students and aspiring writers: do not dismiss the value of a broad education. What may seem irrelevant in the classroom can later become the very tools that allow a writer—or any professional—to succeed. His words remind us that education is not just about immediate utility but about building the intellectual foundation that sustains a lifetime of growth and creativity.