Thomas Carlyle began formal schooling at 10 at Annan Academy. He found the boarding regime grim and was regularly bullied, but he excelled academically. At 14 he walked 80 miles to take up a place at Edinburgh University, with the plan that he would become a minister.

After four years of study, which encompassed Greek, Latin, philosophy and mathematics amongst others, plus many hours of reading in the University library, he left without graduating.

He began teaching full-time, first at Annan Academy, then in Kirkcaldy and became close friends with Edward Irving, who was also outstandingly gifted. But by 1818 he had left his post in Kirkcaldy and only irregular tutoring work kept him financially solvent. Poor health, which would plague him throughout his life, also began to afflict him badly. After a crisis of conscience, he lost his faith.