The Timeless Wisdom of “Take What You Want” in Education and Life
When I was in college, a professor once scrawled a quote on the chalkboard that stuck with me: “Take what you want,” said God. “Take it… and pay for it.” At the time, I dismissed it as another vague philosophical riddle. Years later, though, the phrase resurfaced in my mind while navigating career choices, relationships, and even parenting. It turns out, this simple directive—“Take what you want”—isn’t just a call to action. It’s a lesson in accountability, self-awareness, and the art of intentional living.
The Roots of “Take What You Want”
The phrase has murky origins, appearing in proverbs, poems, and religious texts across cultures. Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes famously wrote, “Take what you want, take it and pay for it.” Sufi traditions echo similar ideas about balancing desire with consequence. But stripped of its poetic flair, the message is practical: You have agency, but every choice carries a cost.
In education, this principle plays out daily. Students often view learning as something done to them—a series of assignments, grades, and degrees imposed by external forces. Rarely are they told, “Take what you want from this class. Then own the outcome.” Yet, the most transformative educational experiences happen when learners actively choose to engage, question, and apply knowledge—not just consume it.
Why “Taking What You Want” Matters in Modern Learning
Consider two students in the same biology course. Student A memorizes facts to pass exams. Student B stays after class to debate ethical implications of genetic engineering, volunteers in a lab, and starts a blog explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Both might earn an A, but their takeaways differ wildly. Student B embraced the “take what you want” mindset, treating education not as a checklist but a toolkit to build their own intellectual journey.
This approach aligns with modern shifts in pedagogy. Platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and even YouTube tutorials put learners in the driver’s seat. Want to master Python by building a video game? Go for it. Curious about medieval history? Dive into primary sources. The resources exist; the responsibility to take them lies with the individual.
But here’s the catch Cervantes hinted at: You must “pay” for what you take. In this context, the “payment” isn’t monetary—it’s time, effort, and trade-offs. Learning coding might mean fewer hours on social media. Pursuing a niche research topic could require saying no to popular electives.
The Hidden Challenges of Ownership
Society often celebrates “taking” without acknowledging the cost. Instagram influencers tout “hustle culture” but rarely discuss burnout. Universities advertise dream careers tied to degrees but gloss over the debt or mental health struggles. This creates a dangerous illusion: that claiming what you want is a frictionless victory.
A high school teacher in Texas shared a telling experiment. She told her class, “For this project, take whatever grade you want. If you want an A, show me A-level work. If you’re okay with a C, do the minimum.” Initially thrilled, students quickly panicked. Without clear guidelines, they struggled to self-assess. Some overestimated their effort; others underestimated the rigor required. The takeaway? Freedom without self-awareness breeds chaos.
This mirrors adult life. Want a promotion? Prepare to “pay” with late nights and skill-building. Crave a healthier lifestyle? Invest time in meal prepping and exercise. The phrase “take what you want” isn’t a free pass—it’s a mirror forcing us to confront our priorities.
How to “Take” Wisely: A Framework
1. Define Your “Want” Clearly
Vague goals like “I want to be successful” or “I want to learn more” set you up for failure. Drill deeper: What does success look like? Which skills or knowledge gaps hold you back? A student aiming for med school might realize they don’t just “want good grades”—they need hands-on lab experience and mentorship.
2. Audit the Costs
List the trade-offs upfront. Taking an internship abroad might delay graduation. Pursuing a creative passion project could strain family time. Acknowledge these early to avoid resentment later.
3. Embrace Iteration
Spanish chef José Andrés once said, “You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.” Treat missteps as data, not failures. If a chosen path isn’t working, pivot—but keep owning the process.
4. Seek Feedback, Not Permission
Waiting for someone to grant you opportunities is passive. A college dropout turned tech entrepreneur put it bluntly: “I stopped asking if I was ‘allowed’ to start a company. I just built the thing and let the market decide.”
The Ripple Effect of Ownership
When individuals embrace this mindset, communities benefit. A teacher who encourages students to “take” ownership of their learning fosters critical thinkers. Employees who proactively solve problems instead of waiting for instructions drive innovation. Even parents modeling intentional decision-making raise more resilient kids.
But perhaps the greatest reward is internal. There’s quiet confidence in knowing you shaped your life—not by luck or external validation, but by choosing, acting, and growing through the costs. As that college professor might say: Take what you want. Then stand tall in the aftermath.
After all, education isn’t about filling a bucket; it’s about lighting a fire. And fires, once ignited, have a way of spreading.
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