"教育は紳士を始めますが、読書、良い仲間、そして熟考が彼を完成させなければなりません。"

Education is the starting point, but it’s only the beginning. The rest—becoming well-rounded, truly wise—comes from what you read, the company you keep, and the time you spend reflecting on it all.

Think about it: formal education gives you the basics. It’s like a seed being planted. But for that seed to grow into a strong tree, it needs sunlight, water, and good soil. In this analogy, reading widely, being around good people, and reflecting on your experiences are the elements that help you grow beyond your initial education.

This idea has its roots in a time when formal education was more about rote learning—memorizing facts and figures—than about developing critical thinking or character. The quote suggests that to become a ‘gentleman’—a person of good character and wisdom—you need more than just what you learn in school. It’s the extra stuff, the life experiences, that really shape you.

Take, for example, the story of Steve Jobs. He famously dropped out of college, but that didn’t stop his education. He continued to learn through reading, being around innovative thinkers, and deeply reflecting on his experiences. He attended calligraphy classes just because he was interested in them, and this seemingly trivial interest later influenced the beautiful typography of Apple products. Jobs’ life is a testament to the idea that formal education is just the beginning. His success came from a mix of curiosity, the people he interacted with, and his ability to reflect on what he learned.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by making reading a habit. Don’t limit yourself to one genre or field. Read novels, biographies, science articles, history—anything that expands your perspective. Next, surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and push you to grow. They will shape your thoughts and actions in ways you won't even realize at first. Lastly, take time to reflect. Journaling is a great way to do this. Write about what you’ve learned, how you feel, and what you want to achieve.

Imagine you’re at a party. You meet two people: one who is highly educated but hasn’t read a book since college, and another who maybe didn’t finish their degree but reads constantly, travels, and engages in deep conversations with others. Who do you think you’d have a more interesting conversation with? My bet is on the latter. They’re likely to have a broader perspective, more insights, and a more engaging way of looking at the world.

In essence, while your formal education is the foundation, it’s the continuous learning through reading, the influence of your social circle, and the personal reflections that truly shape who you become. Don’t let your education end when you leave the classroom. Make it a lifelong journey, and you’ll be amazed at how much you grow.

So next time you finish a book, don’t just close it and move on. Think about how it changes your perspective. Talk about it with friends. Reflect on it in your journal. That’s how you turn the seed of education into the tree of wisdom.