Musing on the Importance of Formal Education

I recently shared a quote from the End Poem, written by Julian Gough for the ending of the video game Minecraft. Only two people responded, and upon reflection, I understand why: the poem is difficult for many to grasp. Recent data shows that only about 38% of American adults aged 25 and older hold at least a bachelor’s degree, and just 1–2% majored in philosophy or religious studies. A deeper understanding of the poem often requires some background in these areas.

A friend replied to my comments about the need for special knowledge by asking, “What college degree did Buddha have? Was there a particular college Confucius attended? I could make a long list, but my point is clear: some of the greatest minds in history were self-educated.”

While it’s true that many great thinkers have been self-taught, this doesn’t mean that everyone can grasp complex works like the End Poem without some foundational knowledge. The idea that some specialized understanding is needed isn’t intellectual elitism or snobbishness — it’s an empirical fact. Whether a college degree is necessary or whether self-education suffices depends largely on the kind of knowledge being sought. Some subjects lend themselves to self-study, but others, especially those involving complex or counterintuitive concepts, often require formal education.