My education was the liberty I had to read indiscriminately and all the time, with my eyes hanging out

My education was the liberty I had to read indiscriminately and all the time, with my eyes hanging out

Dylan Thomas, the renowned Welsh poet and writer, once famously said, “My education was the liberty I had to read indiscriminately and all the time, with my eyes hanging out.” This quote encapsulates Thomas’s deep love for literature and his belief in the power of reading as a form of education and liberation.

Thomas was known for his vivid and evocative poetry, which often explored themes of nature, love, death, and the passage of time. His works were heavily influenced by his own experiences and observations, as well as by the books and authors he read throughout his life. Thomas was a voracious reader, and he believed that reading widely and constantly was essential for personal growth and intellectual development.

For Thomas, education was not just about formal schooling or academic achievement; it was about the freedom to explore and engage with the world through literature. He saw reading as a way to expand one’s horizons, challenge one’s assumptions, and connect with the thoughts and experiences of others. In his view, books were not just sources of information or entertainment, but gateways to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities.

Thomas’s quote also reflects his belief in the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness in the pursuit of knowledge. By reading indiscriminately – that is, without prejudice or preconceived notions – Thomas believed that one could gain a deeper understanding of the world and oneself. He saw reading as a way to break free from the constraints of ignorance and narrow-mindedness, and to embrace the richness and diversity of human experience.