Meaning: This quote by John Keegan, a renowned military historian, challenges the traditional notion that education and knowledge are exclusively attained within the confines of a university setting. Keegan suggests that the possession of knowledge and intelligence should not be limited to those who hold a university degree. Instead, he emphasizes that education can be acquired through various means and that some of the most learned individuals he has encountered did not receive formal education from a university.

Keegan’s perspective encourages a broader understanding of education and expertise. It implies that individuals can gain knowledge and become educated through life experiences, self-study, mentorship, and practical application of skills. This challenges the conventional belief that academic credentials are the sole indicators of intelligence and erudition. By highlighting the possibility of finding highly educated individuals outside the university system, Keegan prompts a reconsideration of the value and sources of knowledge in society.

One interpretation of Keegan’s quote is that education is not confined to the walls of an educational institution. It suggests that learning is a lifelong journey that can be pursued through a variety of avenues. An individual's intellectual capacity and expertise should not be judged solely based on their formal education but also on their ability to think critically, apply knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to their field or society. This aligns with the concept of autodidacticism, which emphasizes self-directed learning and the acquisition of knowledge outside formal education systems.

Keegan’s viewpoint also raises questions about the nature of education and the role of universities in shaping intellectual development. It prompts reflection on whether traditional educational structures adequately recognize and accommodate different forms of knowledge acquisition. Furthermore, it challenges the notion of elitism associated with higher education and encourages a more inclusive approach to acknowledging and valuing diverse sources of expertise.

In contemporary society, the quote by John Keegan remains relevant as the accessibility of information and diverse learning opportunities continues to expand. The internet, for example, has democratized access to knowledge, enabling individuals to engage in self-study, online courses, and open educational resources. This has contributed to a shift in the perception of education, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and the potential for expertise to be cultivated beyond formal academic settings.

Moreover, Keegan’s quote resonates with the experiences of many successful individuals who have achieved significant accomplishments without following a traditional academic path. Entrepreneurs, inventors, and creative thinkers often attribute their success to practical experience, experimentation, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, rather than formal educational qualifications. This challenges societal norms and encourages a reevaluation of the criteria used to gauge an individual’s intelligence and expertise.

In conclusion, John Keegan’s quote serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of education and expertise. It challenges the conventional association of education with formal academic qualifications and encourages a more inclusive and diverse understanding of knowledge acquisition. By recognizing that highly educated individuals can emerge from various backgrounds and experiences, Keegan’s perspective prompts a reexamination of societal attitudes towards intelligence and the sources of expertise. It encourages individuals to embrace lifelong learning and to value knowledge obtained through different paths, thereby fostering a more inclusive and dynamic intellectual landscape.