I read this somewhere and would like some feedback about martial arts  philosophy.

What I mean is that you are considered ready to begin your path to  learning your art only once you have achieved 1st degree.

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I don't really buy that. The Black belt/sash level is where you have mastered all the basic fighting principals and concepts of your art, as well as the body structure and mechanics. You should be well versed in the core techniques, and be fully able to fight with them. In some systems, you should have also memorised the entire currciulem (minus any closed door stuff), even though you haven't mastered it yet. It's the level where you should be able to walk the path alone with nothing more than a good training partner and the manuals as far as I'm concerned. Black Belt/Sash is also the point where most start to learn how to teach the art. It can't be the beginning, and still be a level where you are qualified to begin teaching at the same time.

I think those that say getting a Black belt/sash is just the beginning do so because they have nothing to really teach, and are just trying to keep you from quitting on them for a better school.