A good deal of education consists of unlearning - the breaking of bad habits as with a tennis serve

A good deal of education consists of unlearning - the breaking of bad habits as with a tennis serve

Mary McCarthy, a renowned American writer and critic, once said, “A good deal of education consists of unlearning - the breaking of bad habits as with a tennis serve.” This statement holds true in the context of McCarthy’s own life and work, as she was known for her sharp intellect and willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.

McCarthy’s education began at Vassar College, where she studied literature and philosophy. However, it was not until she left the confines of academia that she truly began to unlearn the lessons she had been taught. McCarthy’s experiences in the real world, including her time as a social worker and her travels in Europe, forced her to confront the limitations of her formal education and to reevaluate her beliefs and assumptions.

One of the most famous examples of McCarthy’s willingness to unlearn was her break with the Communist Party in the 1930s. McCarthy had been a member of the party for several years, but she eventually became disillusioned with its dogmatic approach to politics and its suppression of individual thought. In breaking with the party, McCarthy had to unlearn many of the ideas and beliefs that had shaped her worldview up to that point.

McCarthy’s writing also reflects her commitment to unlearning. In her novels and essays, she often challenges conventional wisdom and exposes the hypocrisies and contradictions of society. McCarthy’s work is characterized by its sharp wit and incisive critique of the status quo, and she was not afraid to question the prevailing norms of her time.