Too often, we take the education we have received for granted, without pausing to consider that, for many people, access to knowledge is an unattainable luxury—or even a daily struggle against cultural, economic, or familial barriers. Having had the opportunity to study, to learn how to think critically, to question, and to choose our own path is not just a personal achievement, but a privilege that carries an ethical responsibility. Those of us who have had academic training must acknowledge that privilege and use it not only for our own benefit, but to contribute to the collective well-being: by sharing knowledge, promoting free thought, and helping to build a more just society, one in which education ceases to be a privilege and becomes fully accessible right for all.

I highly recommend reading Educated by Tara Westover to any legal professional—and really, to anyone—for several profound reasons that go far beyond the literary value of the book. This is not just a powerful autobiography; it is a testimony to the transformative power of education, the complexity of personal truth, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. For those who work in the legal field, where concepts like justice, truth, and autonomy are fundamental, Educated offers a raw and human perspective on how these ideas are shaped by family, cultural, and social environments.

It is a powerful meditation on how knowledge and identity are constructed. In a profession where evidence, logical argument, and critical interpretation are essential, Westover’s story—of encountering historical and philosophical ideas that challenge her initial worldview—offers an inspiring lesson on the importance of questioning, researching, and forming one’s own judgment. For legal professionals, this journey may serve as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and truth is not a destination, but a continuous process.

Finally, Educated highlights how social and educational inequalities can marginalize talented and brilliant individuals. This resonates deeply with the social role of lawyers as defenders of fundamental rights and agents of change. Reading this book is an opportunity to renew our commitment to justice from a more human perspective, recognizing that behind every legal case is a life story as complex and valuable as Westover’s.

“I don’t think education is so much about making a living, it’s about making a person.”
– Tara Westover