"من هرگز به آموزش رسمی اعتقاد زیادی نداشته‌ام"

The core idea here is pretty straightforward: the speaker doesn’t put much faith in traditional forms of education. They’re not saying learning isn’t important—far from it. They just believe that the formal route (think colleges, universities, and structured schooling) isn’t the only—or even the best—way to get a good education.

Historically, this sentiment has been echoed by many successful entrepreneurs and innovators. Think about Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg, both of whom dropped out of college but went on to achieve incredible things. The idea is that real-world experiences, self-study, and practical application often teach you things that a classroom cannot. Formal education can sometimes be rigid, slow, and not tailored to individual learning styles or interests.

Take the example of Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group. He struggled in school due to dyslexia and left formal education at the age of 16. Instead of pursuing a traditional academic path, he started a magazine and later expanded into music and airlines. Branson learned by doing, experimenting, and failing—then trying again. His success story shows that the lack of a formal education didn’t hold him back; in fact, it may have spurred him on to be more innovative and practical in his approach to business.

So, how can you apply this kind of wisdom in your own life? First off, don’t feel like you have to follow the crowd. If you’ve got a passion for something, dive into it. Learn everything you can through books, online courses, mentors, and hands-on experience. Build things, even if they’re imperfect. You learn more from doing than sitting in a lecture hall sometimes.

Imagine a scenario where you’re passionate about graphic design. You could follow the traditional route and get a degree, which is totally okay. But you could also teach yourself. Start by watching tutorials on YouTube, practice by creating your own designs, get feedback from online communities, maybe even take on a few freelance projects. Over time, you build a portfolio that showcases your skills. You might find that clients care more about what you can do than where you learned to do it.

Back to a more personal story—let’s say you’re having coffee with a friend who’s feeling stuck in their job. They’ve been thinking about going back to school for an MBA because they believe it’s the only way to advance their career. You might remind them of this idea: formal education isn’t the only path. Suggest they take on new projects at work, find a mentor, or even start a side hustle. Encourage them to learn new skills through online courses or workshops. Sometimes, the best education is the one you give yourself.

In a nutshell, think outside the box when it comes to learning and growing. Formal education has its place, but it’s not the only way to get ahead. Be curious, be proactive, and don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled. You might just find it leads you exactly where you want to go.