Does Success Depend on School or Something More?

It’s a thought that lingers. Society often places immense value on credentials—what school you attended, what company you worked for—without necessarily measuring real competence, resilience, or creativity.

School: A Filter, Not a Factory for Intelligence

Let’s be honest: School isn't designed to make people smart; it's designed to certify those who already are. The system isn’t designed to create intelligence but rather to recognize and validate those who already fit the mold.

Think about it. Many of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, innovators, and thinkers either didn’t attend elite schools or dropped out altogether. They weren’t waiting for an institution to define their worth. They built their own credibility through action, not certification.

The True Test of Respect

Respect in today’s world is often transactional. Degrees and big-brand names offer an initial advantage, but they are only entry tickets, not lasting proof of value. The real test comes later—when you must deliver results, solve real-world problems, and create impact.

I’ve come to realize that while my education and career history opened doors, what sustains respect isn’t the institution I attended—it’s what I do with the knowledge and experience I’ve gained.

So, What Really Matters?

• Competence over credentials – What you can do is far more important than where you studied.
• Value creation over validation – Your work should speak louder than your resume.
• Character over conformity – Integrity, grit, and adaptability will outlast any degree.

If I didn’t go to a prestigious school, would people still respect me? Maybe fewer at first glance. But those who matter—the ones who see beyond a certificate—would recognize the real source of credibility: my work, my ideas, and my impact.

Your Identity is What You Build

School may certify intelligence, but it doesn’t define it. It’s what you do after the degree, the experiences you gain, and the problems you solve that determine your real identity.

So, the real question isn’t whether school makes you smart. It’s whether you allow school (or the lack of it) to define how smart and capable you believe you are.

What do you think? Would people still respect you if you didn’t have the traditional markers of success? Let’s discuss. ??