Perception, in short, cannot be purchased with either learned degrees or dollars. It grows at home as well as abroad, and he who has a little may use it to as good advantage as he who has much. –Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac
Regardless of where you find yourself, there’s always something to see—if you have eyes to see it. Leopold remarks that a farmer can learn lessons about nature in the cow pasture that a scientist traveling abroad may never discover. If you’re perceptive, it doesn’t matter where you’re at or who you’re around—you’ll still be able to learn something.
Perception is not dependent on where you went to school or how much you have in your bank account. It’s not for sale, but you can cultivate it. Wherever you’re at, whatever you’re doing, you can always choose to keep your eyes open and to pay attention.