Educated: A Conversation with Tara Westover

Raised by uncompromising survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover survived extreme adversity, from never being allowed to go to school, to suffering serious physical injuries (and a dad that prohibited doctors or hospitals), to being at the mercy of a volatile and often abusive older brother. How did she not only make it through this childhood, but ultimately achieve success at the highest levels? How does she look back on her childhood and her family? What has she learned from her incredible and improbable journey?

Each June, the Aspen Ideas Festival welcomes the public to join the world’s most influential leaders—innovators in business, academia, public policy, science, and the arts—who are shaping the future. Engage in thought-provoking panels, intimate roundtables, and spontaneous conversations across our stunning 40-acre, art-filled campus in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Leave Aspen inspired to make a lasting impact in your community and beyond. #AspenIdeas

[susan]

Tara Westover is a national treasure. "An educated person is not someone that can recite an army of facts and knows a lot of things, but rather it is someone that has the flexibility of mind. Someone that is willing to explore her own prejudice and has acquired a depth of understanding that allows her to see the world through another point of view." Now that's amazing.

[marissaventre]

Stayed up all night reading her book in one sitting. Then she sings. I'm blown away. Speechless. What a spirit.

[jenrivard]

I relate to Tara on so many different levels. Her book made me question myself and the excuses I’ve given over the years about why I wasn’t able to complete my college education. I blamed my upbringing for my perceived failure. This woman made it through hell and STILL came out of the other side with a PhD. I admire her strength. I’m inspired. Thank you Tara!

[whenplantingforests]

“Education is less about knowing more than someone, and maybe more about knowing someone.” The heart of her voice and intellect. Beautiful words, Tara. I've had this quote saved and pinned for years.

[mollygraham]

Tara Westover is a genius. She is able to clearly articulate the big ideas we are all grappling with today. Thank you, Tara.

[amandagarcia]

WoW! What she said about students and money is SPOT ON. How can college students concentrate on any of their studies if they are so pre-occupied with how they are going to afford the absolute BASICS of food, shelter, clothing? I think more money should be made available for anyone who wants to attend school to better their lives. Great speaker. Great interviewer. Good questions.

[waistfinder]

The way this book resonated with me is how mental illness destroys families, destroys lives. I've been crying since yesterday. I finished today and I feel relief that I'm not the only one that has gone through something like this. My mom suffers from Narcissistic Personality Disorder and my dad was an alcoholic. Thank you Tara!

[elizabethbennet]

WOW it REALLY HIT when she said "you can hide behind language quite a bit" in terms of talking about very personal (family) experiences- even though she wasnt sure if others would understand that. I *totally* get that as a poet often castigated for "writing in code" and hiding feelings. I had a horrific childhood. Moreover it turns out in my 40s that I am autistic. Yes, I kept many secrets despite being a writer. I told them but many didn't hear them.

[brissycombs]

Thinking of this girl breaking down all of the life heuristics she’s must have had on the mountain...that in itself is remarkable.

[beckwil]

I finished reading Educated about 10 minutes ago and I cannot express the way I feel. Tara Westover is truly a blessed gift in prose and voice that she is willing to share with the world. I am a 69 year old woman from the East coast and your story is stunning to me. Thank you so much for believing in yourself and for making the most of your obvious gifts. The hymn you sang is beautiful.
Peace to you and love.

[zoejanuszewski]

“Education has become an identity”

‘You cannot persuade someone unless you understand and listen to them’

Wow.

[zakmanfa]

She speaks as someone who has gone through hell and back. Never has that phrase made more sense than it does with Tara. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[huyenle]

Educated: a memoir is my favorite book ever! Tara's intelligence and path of self-discovery will always be an inspiration to mine.

[rodabillimoriadesai]

Tara Westover is the most incredible writer; her descriptions are amazing and moved me to tears.

[MonicaElaineSolis]

Knowing someone who is not like you...that is education!!!

[MonicaElaineSolis]

Wow! The only way to persuade someone is to care about them, understand them and understand their point of view! AMEN

[deborahroberts]

The beauty of the book is that you can take out of it what you need at the time.

[mariakoby]

Wow! She’s amazing! It’s so rare to meet someone so authentic and humble and not condescending in the academia/Ivy League. Buying her book. Yesterday

[junshu]

Two years later I actually finished reading the books and watched this again. Amazing. Simply amazing.

[pameladye]

Her book and her life are fascinating. Tara - now that I've heard you sing, I can certainly understand why your father took such great pride in hearing you sing. You have the voice of an angel!