The Right to Self-Education

Sor Juana taught herself sciences, languages, philosophy, and theology through voracious reading and intellectual exchange, often without formal institutional permission. This autodidactism was both necessity and freedom—she refused to wait for authorities to grant her knowledge. In the context of tikkun olam, the right to self-education is foundational: communities repair the world when members educate themselves and each other, building power independent of gatekeeping institutions. Sor Juana's model challenges us to see education not as credential-seeking but as democratic practice. Jewish tradition honors this through chevra (study circles) and lifelong learning as spiritual obligation. When marginalized people claim the right to read, discuss, and theorize their own conditions, they create knowledge that serves liberation. Self-education democratizes wisdom and makes world-repair a collective rather than elite practice.