Malcom X gives his history on his own literacy in Literacy Behind Bars. He reveals that he did not go any farther academically than the 8th grade. The impression people retain of his literacy and his intelligence extending into advance schooling is largely imparted to his days spent in prison. Malcom would spend every waking hour absorbing everything that he could. He went through the dictionary, copying and memorizing every page from a to z. He not only learned new definitions but the dictionary was also like a mini-encyclopedia. He couldn't get enough of the literacy he gained, the new way to express his thoughts, feelings, emotions. He also contrasts that every day made him feel more desperate for his race, how deprived they were