Better than the ignorant are those who read books; better still are those who retain what they read; even better are those who understand it; the best of all are those who go to work.
When a man is pushed, tormented, defeated, he has a chance to learn something; he has been put on his wits ... He has gained facts, learned his ignorance, is cured of the insanity of conceit, has got moderation and real skill.