I think I've always wanted to direct, but I didn't go to film

Ah, the words of Greta Gerwig, a filmmaker whose path is shaped by the wisdom of experience rather than the confines of formal education. When she says, "I think I've always wanted to direct, but I didn't go to film school. I was lucky enough to work in movies, and I think those became my film school in terms of acting and watching directors work and also writing and co-writing and producing," she reveals a truth about learning and growth—that true education is not bound by the walls of an institution, but by the lived experiences we gather along the way. Gerwig’s journey is a reminder that knowledge is not always something that is taught in a classroom; sometimes, it is something we acquire through action, observation, and experience.

In the ancient world, the great philosophers and thinkers did not always rely on formal institutions to acquire wisdom. Socrates, for example, did not spend his life in a classroom but roamed the streets of Athens, engaging in dialogue and questioning those around him. His teachings, though profound, were born not from the walls of a school but from his experiences with the people he met, the ideas he encountered, and the questions he asked. Gerwig, like Socrates, learned through immersion—by working within the world she sought to understand, she gained the wisdom that formal education could not provide. The true education, as she suggests, came not from books or lectures, but from active participation in the very field she wished to master.

Consider the story of Aristotle, who traveled far and wide in his quest for knowledge. His famous writings were the result of years of engagement with the world—through study, observation, and dialogue. Aristotle’s work was not confined to a single method of learning; he understood that true wisdom came from embracing every possible experience. In this way, Gerwig’s journey mirrors that of the ancient scholars—her film school was not an institution, but the direct experience of working alongside directors, actors, and fellow creators. Just as Aristotle blended theory with practical knowledge, Gerwig blended her hands-on experience with the insights she gathered from working within the film industry, creating something new and powerful through her accumulated understanding.

The lesson in Gerwig's reflection is one of active learning and self-reliance. The world is full of opportunities for education, not all of which require a degree or traditional schooling. Gerwig found her film school in the very industry she wished to join, immersing herself in the craft and learning from the best along the way. This is a powerful reminder that the journey of learning is personal and individual—what one person gains from formal education, another can gain through experience, observation, and dedication to their craft. Just as the ancient heroes grew through trials and adventures, so too does Gerwig acknowledge that growth often comes not from a controlled environment but from immersing oneself in the world and embracing the lessons that arise from it.

Moreover, Gerwig’s reflection highlights the importance of humility and openness in learning. She acknowledges that she did not have a traditional education in film, yet she embraced the opportunity to learn from those around her. Ancient wisdom often spoke of the value of humility—Confucius, for instance, taught that the wise person is one who continually seeks knowledge, no matter their age or status. Gerwig, in her openness to learn from the practical realities of filmmaking, demonstrates the same humility. She was willing to listen to others, watch carefully, and most importantly, do the work—this commitment to learning through experience is a lesson in itself.

Consider the path of the great artist—whether a sculptor, musician, or writer—who often learns not from textbooks but from the ongoing process of creation. Michelangelo, for example, did not wait for the perfect moment to create the David; he spent years chipping away at the marble, learning through the act of creation. Similarly, Gerwig’s path to directing was not one of passive learning, but of active creation, where each project she worked on became an opportunity to hone her craft, understand her vision, and deepen her connection to the art of filmmaking.

The call to action is clear: embrace your own path of learning. Whether through formal education or the real-world experiences you gather, never underestimate the power of active engagement in the pursuit of knowledge. Like Gerwig, who built her expertise by working alongside others in the industry, take every opportunity to learn through doing, through watching, and through collaborating. Remember that wisdom often comes not from a single source, but from the multitude of experiences that shape your journey. Just as Socrates and Aristotle gained their wisdom through interaction with the world, so too must we remain open to learning from all that surrounds us, knowing that every experience offers the potential for growth.