Educated: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Educated, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
She grew up without school
Westover grew up in rural Idaho in a survivalist family who distrusted government, schools and doctors.
She never went to school as a child and spent her days working in her father's junkyard.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Her father feared the world
Westover describes her father's strong beliefs about the end of the world and the dangers of government.
The family stored food and prepared for disaster. Westover shows how these fears shaped the daily life and choices of everyone in her family.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Injuries went untreated
Family members suffered serious injuries in accidents but were treated at home with herbs rather than in hospitals.
Westover describes the danger this created. Westover shows how strongly her family's beliefs affected decisions about health and safety.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
A brother was violent
Westover describes abuse by her brother Shawn, which her family often ignored.
She struggled to understand her own experiences. Westover shows how hard it is to trust your own judgement when the people closest to you do not listen.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
She taught herself
Westover taught herself enough to pass a college entrance exam.
She was accepted to Brigham Young University. Westover presents this as a real achievement, since she had never been to a regular school before.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Education opened her mind
At university, Westover learned about history and ideas she had never heard of.
Education changed how she saw herself and her family. Westover shows that learning gave her new words and ideas to think about her own life.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
She studied at Cambridge
Westover went on to study at Cambridge and earned a doctorate.
Her achievements amazed many. Westover presents this as a long journey from a childhood in the mountains to one of the world's famous universities.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Freedom came with loss
Westover's education led to estrangement from parts of her family.
She describes the pain of choosing her own path. Westover shows that growing up and finding independence can mean giving up closeness with people you love.
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