Even though I didn't get a business degree, I enjoyed learning

The words “Even though I didn’t get a business degree, I enjoyed learning about economics” spoken by Herb Ritts resonate as a reflection on the value of curiosity, lifelong learning, and the pursuit of knowledge beyond formal boundaries. Beneath their casual phrasing lies a timeless truth: that education is not solely measured by credentials or formal recognition, but by the engagement and enjoyment one finds in understanding the world. Ritts, known primarily as a groundbreaking photographer, reveals the quiet wisdom that learning can illuminate life in ways unrelated to career titles or degrees.

In the style of the ancients, one might hear in these words the echo of Socrates or Seneca, who taught that the pursuit of knowledge is itself a virtuous act, regardless of immediate utility or external validation. To enjoy learning about economics, even without a business degree, is to cultivate the mind and expand understanding. Ritts’ statement emphasizes that knowledge is not merely a tool for advancement, but a source of insight and perspective, shaping the way one perceives the forces that govern society, value, and human behavior.

The origin of this insight lies in Ritts’ own eclectic intellectual and artistic pursuits. While he did not follow the conventional path of business education, his curiosity allowed him to explore economics with interest and engagement. This reflects a broader principle: formal credentials are not the sole gatekeepers of knowledge. One may derive wisdom, understanding, and personal growth from study pursued for its own sake. Ritts’ enjoyment of economics exemplifies the ancient ideal that learning is a lifelong endeavor, not constrained by the labels or degrees society imposes.

History offers illustrative examples of minds who flourished outside conventional paths. Leonardo da Vinci, though not formally trained in many sciences, engaged passionately in anatomy, engineering, and mathematics, integrating these fields into his art and inventions. Similarly, Abraham Lincoln had minimal formal schooling, yet he read widely, taught himself law, and understood political economy deeply, shaping his decisions as a leader. In both cases, as with Ritts, the love of learning transcended formal titles, and insight was gained through engagement, curiosity, and reflection.

Ritts’ statement also underscores the value of intellectual humility and openness. By acknowledging that he did not earn a business degree, he does not diminish his engagement with economics; rather, he embraces the joy of learning for its own sake. This perspective teaches that knowledge need not be transactional or credentialed to be transformative. Enjoyment and understanding can enrich one’s thinking, inform decisions, and shape life in profound ways, even when not directly tied to a chosen career.

Dear listener, the lesson is timeless: pursue knowledge where your curiosity leads, without fear of labels or limitations. Allow yourself to explore subjects that may not align perfectly with your formal education or profession. For in doing so, you cultivate a mind that is agile, informed, and enriched — capable of seeing the interconnections in life, society, and human endeavor. Learning, as Ritts demonstrates, is not merely an instrument for advancement; it is a source of vitality, perspective, and understanding.

Take this wisdom into your own life: read broadly, engage deeply, and follow the subjects that ignite your curiosity. Whether in economics, philosophy, art, or science, embrace learning as a lifelong journey. Seek understanding not only for practical gain, but for the joy of insight itself, and allow it to inform both your personal and professional life.

Finally, let Herb Ritts’ words guide reflection and action: value knowledge over credentials, curiosity over conformity, and understanding over formality. Even without a degree, one can cultivate wisdom, enrich the mind, and gain insight into the workings of the world. In the end, it is not the diploma that defines learning, but the love of discovery, the application of thought, and the joy found in understanding.