Originally posted in our October 2025 Top of Mind Newsletter.
What if we measured learning not by time spent in class, but by what we can actually do?
In his book, Mastery, Tony Wagner critiques an education system focused on grades and tests, arguing it leaves us unprepared. He champions “mastery learning,” where individuals progress only when they can use what they’ve learned, fostering deeper motivation and real-world readiness.
As Tony shared on our podcast, this shift moves us toward curiosity, creativity, and purpose. This is where the entrepreneurial mindset becomes a tool for direct action. We don’t have to wait for the system to change. By embracing the courage to learn by doing, we can restore agency to our own learning journeys and pursue an education that truly prepares us for work, citizenship, and life.