My father-in-law was one of France’s leading maths professors.
My step-mother-in-law was awarded the French Legion d’Honneur, which is the highest French order of merit, established by Napoleon, for her research in public health.
My mother-in-law has 5 degrees, some of which she studied for simultaneously, my step-father-in-law is an Oxford grad and later lectured there.
Initially, it was intimidating, I was never in my comfort zone with them around, but it turned out to be a highly-enriching experience, one that made me reflect.
Now, what I’m about to say is based on my many interactions with them in particular, but also others.
I’ve noticed that highly-educated people tend to place little value on the material. That kind of makes sense because to become educated you need to pursue knowledge, at the expense of the material.
Seeking knowledge, I’ve realised, is a way of life. Being educated isn’t about certificates, it’s an attitude.
Truly educated people tend to go to museums, read, watch documentaries, travel to places rich with history and culture.
By contrast, uneducated people tend to love fast cars, big houses, the material and money. And to the most uneducated, they are all that matter.
Asim Qureshi
