“The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.” – Mark Twain
Learning wasn’t something I realised I loved until about two years after my Education.
We grew up believing that education is the only path to knowledge. Yet, everything that has given me purpose, value, and income has been learned through experience, exploration, and curiosity—not classrooms and textbooks.
Understanding the real difference between education and learning will shape the way you approach the world for both you and your loved ones
What is Education?
Education is the structured process of receiving instruction, usually in a formal setting like a school or university. It follows a curriculum, is often led by certified teachers, and is designed to provide students with a standardised body of knowledge. Many countries make education compulsory up to a certain age because it’s seen as essential for personal and societal development.
However, education often focuses on external motivation—grades, qualifications, test scores, as well as, punishment and discipline —rather than deep understanding. Students memorise facts to pass exams, but this doesn’t always translate into meaningful knowledge or real-world skills. Traditional education can sometimes feel restrictive, emphasising structure and discipline over creativity and personal exploration.
What is Learning?
Learning, on the other hand, is a natural and lifelong process. It’s the way we acquire knowledge, skills, and values through experience, curiosity, and discovery. Unlike education, learning isn’t confined to a classroom or limited by age—it happens everywhere, from travelling the world to solving problems in everyday life.
Real learning is driven by intrinsic motivation, meaning we learn best when we’re genuinely interested in something. Whether it’s picking up a new language by immersing ourselves in another culture, understanding history by exploring ancient ruins or learning business skills by starting an online venture, the most powerful lessons come from doing.
The Key Differences Between Education and Learning
| Aspect | Education | Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A formal system of structured instruction. | The ongoing process of acquiring knowledge through experience. |
| Knowledge Source | Typically comes from teachers, textbooks, and curricula. | Can come from anywhere—experience, exploration, mentors, or self-discovery. |
| Guidance | Often guided by educators. | Can be self-directed or inspired by curiosity or by seeking out mentors. |
| Motivation | Driven by external factors (grades, exams, qualifications and punishment). | Driven by internal curiosity and personal goals. |
| Process | Follows a structured and systematic path. | A flexible, dynamic, and lifelong journey. |
| Age Limit | Usually ends after formal schooling. | Never ends—learning continues throughout life. |
Why This Matters for Both Traditional and World Schooling Families.
In traditional education, learning is often seen as something that happens in a classroom, at a desk, or with a textbook. But in reality, the most impactful learning experiences happen when we engage with the world—when we explore, ask questions, make mistakes, and seek out new challenges.
World schooling takes a different approach. It transforms education into an adventure, where learning happens through travel, hands-on experiences, and cultural immersion. Instead of limiting knowledge to textbooks, World Schooling families turn the world into their classroom, learning history by walking through ancient ruins, science by exploring nature, and social studies by engaging with diverse cultures.
However, this does not mean you have to wait until you have a thriving online business and can travel to different countries. Take Pokémon for example.
A Lesson in Pokémon: How Hobbies Fuel Self-Led Learning
People hear “world schooling” and assume you must take your kids out of school and save turtles on a beach in Costa Rica. By all means, we’ll support you in pursuing that goal but world schooling is something that can happen now. and have a huge range of benefits.
Playing Pokémon might seem like the antithesis of education, it might be something you see as an extrinsic reward for traditional education. In reality, it has been an incredible platform for my son and me to explore a wide range of subjects without ever feeling like “school.” Unlike traditional education, where learning is often forced and externally motivated, hobbies like Pokémon tap into intrinsic curiosity, making complex concepts exciting and relevant. Although we do some structured learning with books, here’s how we incorporate learning by letting the kids take the lead.
Academic Learning Through Play
Maths
From adding and subtracting damage points to calculating probability in card draws, Pokémon naturally incorporates numerical thinking. Understanding the likelihood of pulling a rare card, the statistics behind a deck’s effectiveness, and the calculations required in battles all reinforce mathematical concepts in a hands-on, engaging way.
English & Literacy
Reading and interpreting the intricate rules of the game require strong comprehension skills. Players must not only read but also apply information strategically. Additionally, Pokémon lore is rich with backstory, encouraging deeper reading and storytelling skills.
Languages
Whenever we travel, we buy Pokémon cards in foreign languages and work on translating them. This turns what could be a dry language lesson into a fun, practical challenge, reinforcing vocabulary and comprehension in an immersive way.
Science
Pokémon might not be a perfect model for biological evolution, but it has sparked some great discussions about adaptation, ecosystems, and how real-world animals evolve over generations. It’s also led us to explore real creatures that inspired Pokémon designs—learning about bioluminescence, mimicry, and even genetic mutations.
Religion & Philosophy
At first glance, Pokémon might appear to Western audiences as a game about making creatures fight. However, understanding its roots in Japanese culture and Shintoism shifts the perspective. In Shinto belief, spirits (kami) inhabit everything, and Pokémon embodies this idea by representing forces of nature, emotions, and even spiritual balance. This realization led us into deep discussions about philosophy, ethics, and metaphysics—how our choices in the game (and in life) affect the world around us.
Benefits Beyond Traditional Subjects
Strategy & Critical Thinking
Pokémon isn’t just a game of luck—it requires deep strategic thinking. Building a deck, anticipating an opponent’s next move, and deciding when to attack or defend all sharpen problem-solving skills. My son has learned to analyse patterns, test different strategies, and adapt his gameplay—skills that translate far beyond the game, helping him approach real-life challenges with confidence and logic.
Socialisation & Community
One of the biggest surprises has been how Pokémon has helped my son build connections. Right now, as I write this, he’s at a club with his grandad, interacting with kids and adults from all ages, backgrounds, and genders. This game creates an instant common ground, breaking social barriers and allowing him to engage with new friends all over the world. It’s not just about playing—it’s about negotiating trades, discussing strategies, and developing social confidence in a natural, pressure-free environment.
Confidence & Independent Learning
One of the most beautiful aspects of our Pokémon journey is how it has levelled the playing field between us. Unlike school subjects where I’m the “teacher” and he’s the “student,” Pokémon gives my son the chance to teach me. He confidently corrects me on rules, debates lore, and does his own research rather than waiting to be given the “correct” answer. This has massively boosted his confidence—not just in the game but in his ability to learn independently, challenge ideas, and think critically.
Coding & Game Development
Pokémon isn’t just inspiring my son to play—it’s sparking a whole new level of creativity and technical skill. The franchise’s deep connection to gaming has led him to explore how video games are made, which in turn ignited his interest in coding.
He started by learning how to mod Minecraft, and figuring out how to bring Pokémon into the game world. This was something I was completely clueless about, so it became an amazing opportunity for us to learn together. Watching him research, test, troubleshoot, and refine his mods showed me just how powerful self-led learning can be when it’s driven by passion.
Beyond just modifying games, he’s now interested in sharing his creations online. Whether through YouTube tutorials, downloadable mods, or even building his own game one day, this hobby has naturally led him toward digital entrepreneurship. In today’s world, coding and online content creation are arguably more valuable career skills than a maths degree, and it’s incredible to see him develop these skills in a way that’s fun, relevant, and completely self-motivated.
Pokémon might have started as a simple trading card game for him, but now, it’s become a launchpad for exploring technology, business, and creative problem-solving—all on his own terms.
Business & Entrepreneurship
Pokémon has also been an unexpected but brilliant introduction to business. Understanding the value of different cards—based on rarity, functionality, and demand—has led to discussions about supply and demand, market trends, and negotiation.
My daughter, who enjoys Pokémon more for the social element, has recently taken this even further. She’s been collecting cards from friends and has set up a mini Pokémon shop, selling cards to me and her brother while also engaging prospective customers (like grandad) by offering a starter deck. Through this, she’s learning about pricing, sales strategy, customer engagement, and even reinvesting profits into her collection. What started as a casual interest has turned into a hands-on lesson in business—one that she’s entirely self-motivated to pursue.
The Power of Passion-Driven Learning
What makes Pokémon such an effective learning tool? Simple: it’s fun. When learning is connected to genuine interests, curiosity takes over, and knowledge is absorbed effortlessly. Unlike sitting in a classroom and being told what to learn, Pokémon provides a self-led environment where children (and adults) are motivated to seek information, analyse patterns, and develop real skills—all while having a great time.
The lesson here is bigger than just Pokémon. Hobbies, whether video games, sports, music, or outdoor adventures, provide the perfect foundation for organic, meaningful learning.
Engaging with your kid’s interests, won’t just provide a platform for learning, but build your connection. When we follow our passions, learning stops feeling like a chore and becomes an adventure—one we’re eager to continue for a lifetime.
The Bottom Line
Education gives us structure, but learning gives us freedom. While formal education has its place, it shouldn’t be the only path to knowledge. When we embrace lifelong learning—fueled by curiosity, exploration, and real-world experiences—we unlock limitless opportunities for growth, creativity, and discovery.
So the next time you think about education, ask yourself: Am I just being taught? Or am I truly learning?
