In the opening chapter of Educated, Tara Westover paints a vivid picture of her upbringing in rural Idaho, where her family adheres to a survivalist lifestyle that profoundly shapes her early life. The Westover family, led by her father Gene, is deeply skeptical of government institutions, including educational systems, which they view as corrupt and dangerous. This paranoia permeates their daily lives, influencing decisions about health, education, and community interactions.

Tara introduces her family dynamics, highlighting her father's strong convictions and her mother's supportive yet compliant role. Her mother, Faye, primarily manages the household while also practicing as a midwife and herbalist, relying on traditional medicine rather than formal healthcare. This reliance on alternative practices reflects the family's overall distrust of the medical establishment, a theme that recurs throughout the memoir.

The chapter delves into the family's isolation, both physically and ideologically. Living in the mountains, the Westovers are cut off from mainstream society, which reinforces their survivalist beliefs. They often reject the norms of the outside world, believing that self-sufficiency and adherence to their values are paramount. Tara describes how her childhood is filled with hard labor and responsibilities at a young age, as her family operates a junkyard and works the land.

The concept of 'choosing the good' becomes a central theme as Tara navigates her family's moral and ethical landscape. Her father instills in his children the importance of making choices that align with their beliefs, even as those beliefs isolate them from others. This moral framework presents a conflict for Tara as she grows older and begins to question the validity of her family's worldview.

In this chapter, Westover's writing reflects not only her family's unique characteristics but also the broader themes of education and self-discovery that will unfold throughout the memoir. The seeds of her eventual quest for knowledge and understanding are sown here, as Tara grapples with the implications of her upbringing and the choices that lie ahead. The chapter effectively sets the stage for her journey from a life entrenched in survivalism to one that seeks enlightenment through education, highlighting the tensions between loyalty to family and the pursuit of personal growth.