The Power of Knowledge: Unleashing the Potential of ‘Educated’

Show notes

Chapter 1:What is the Educated

"Educated" is a memoir written by Tara Westover. It was published in 2018 and quickly became a bestselling book. The memoir recounts the author's journey from growing up in a strict and isolated household in rural Idaho, to eventually gaining admission to prestigious universities and earning a PhD.

Tara Westover was raised in a family that prioritized survivalism and distrusted institutions such as government, hospitals, and formal education. As a result, she did not receive a formal education for most of her childhood and had limited exposure to the outside world. However, she developed a passion for learning and managed to educate herself through self-study with the help of books.

The book offers a compelling narrative of Westover's struggle to reconcile her desire for knowledge and personal growth with the deeply ingrained beliefs and values of her upbringing. It explores themes of identity, family dynamics, resilience, and the power of education to transform lives.

"Educated" has been widely acclaimed for its honest and powerful storytelling, shining a light on the importance of education and the pursuit of truth. It has gained significant attention for its exploration of the tension between personal autonomy and loyalty to one's family, as well as the impact of education on personal and intellectual development.

Chapter 2:The Educated Summary

Tara's parents, who were members of a survivalist movement, did not believe in formal schooling or medical intervention. As a result, Tara and her siblings grew up without attending school, receiving only sporadic homeschooling from their mother. This lack of education and exposure to the outside world placed them at a significant disadvantage compared to their peers.

Despite these challenges, Tara developed an intense desire for knowledge and self-improvement. She secretly taught herself various subjects and eventually gained admission to Brigham Young University. Her time at college was eye-opening, as she encountered different perspectives and began to question her family's beliefs.

After graduating, Tara pursued further education and was awarded prestigious scholarships, including one that allowed her to study at Cambridge University in England. However, her pursuit of education strained her relationship with her family, who viewed her academic pursuits as a betrayal of their way of life.

"The Educated" explores themes such as the power of education, the clash between personal identity and family loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit. It sheds light on the transformative potential of education in overcoming adversity and breaking free from societal constraints.

Overall, "The Educated" offers a poignant account of Westover's journey towards self-discovery and independence, highlighting the importance of education in shaping one's future and challenging deeply ingrained beliefs.

Chapter 3:Books Similar Educated

"The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls: This memoir recounts Walls' unconventional upbringing with her dysfunctional family and her journey to overcome adversity and achieve success.

"Hillbilly Elegy" by J.D. Vance: In this memoir, Vance reflects on his Appalachian roots and explores the impact of poverty, addiction, and cultural decline on his family and community.

"Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China" by Jung Chang: This book chronicles three generations of women in Chang's family, offering a captivating account of their lives during China's tumultuous 20th century and the struggles they faced.

"The Sound of Gravel" by Ruth Wariner: Wariner shares her harrowing story of growing up in a polygamous cult in Mexico and her eventual escape from that oppressive environment.

"The Glass Universe" by Dava Sobel: This non-fiction work explores the contributions of female astronomers who worked at the Harvard College Observatory in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, shedding light on their dedication and achievements.

"Wave" by Sonali Deraniyagala: Deraniyagala recounts the devastating loss of her family in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and her subsequent journey through grief and healing.