“Once you stop learning, you start dying.”
— Albert Einstein
Learning never ends for the individual who understands that life is more than just living for oneself. In today’s world, it’s becoming increasingly common to encounter people who see continuous learning as a burden—something reserved for a select few. But nothing could be further from the truth.
Education is not just about attending the four walls of a university. Real education is about acquiring relevant knowledge that transforms your thinking, births innovation, and fuels your ability to effect positive change—whether in your home, workplace, ministry, or community.
Beyond the Classroom
That’s why many (though not all) of the most dynamic companies today were founded by individuals without formal academic training. Ironically, those with traditional education often end up working for them.
Why? Because these founders understood something profound:
Education goes far beyond the classroom.
You can be educated:
- On the streets – through life experiences and challenges
- On the job – by doing, failing, learning, and growing
- Anywhere – if you’re open-minded enough to keep learning from everyone and everything
This blog post is meant to spark a different mindset—to help you reflect deeply on the difference between going to school and truly getting an education.
Because here’s the truth:
You can be in school and still not be schooled.
The Power of Ongoing Education
Let me say this clearly: if all you have is a job without continuous personal development, you risk becoming dispensable. But if you have an education—the kind that sharpens your mind, enlarges your vision, and strengthens your skills—you can create opportunities not just for yourself, but for others too.
Now, let me introduce you to someone whose story embodies this truth: Shaquille O’Neal.
Shaquille O’Neal: A Lesson in Learning
When Shaquille O’Neal was drafted into the NBA, he spent his first $1 million within 30 minutes.
Shortly after, his banker called him and issued a stern warning: if he kept that up, he’d end up broke—just like many other athletes who once earned millions.
That moment changed everything for Shaq.
Instead of ignoring the warning, he decided to get educated. He returned to school, finished his Bachelor’s degree, followed it with an MBA, and went on to earn a Doctorate in Education—making him Dr. Shaquille O’Neal.
But his education didn’t stop at degrees. He applied his knowledge to real-world business.
Today, Shaq owns or co-owns:
- 155 Five Guys restaurants
- 17 Auntie Anne’s pretzel shops
- 150 car washes
- 40 24-Hour Fitness centers
- A shopping center
- A movie theater
- Several Las Vegas nightclubs
He also earns over $22 million annually from endorsement deals with major brands like Icy Hot, Gold Bond, Buick, Zales, and more.
And yes, he’s still a studio analyst for TNT.
In his own words:
“It’s not about how much money you make. The question is: are you educated enough to keep it?”
The Kingdom Perspective
At The Kingdom Tribe, we believe in raising renewed minds—individuals who go beyond titles, degrees, or positions to become agents of transformation in the world.
Schooling is good, but only when it leads to the right kind of education—one that shapes your character, aligns you with purpose, and equips you to serve your generation.
So here’s our encouragement to you:
- Stay schooled
- Stay humble
- Stay educated
- Stay blessed
Because learning never ends.
