Some thoughts on autodidactism, degrees and public education

I've always admired autodidacts -- I even became one myself, although some might question the quality of the teacher and the education received so far. I say "so far" because a main trait of most autodidacts is continuous learning. Perhaps we feel the need to try harder since most people don't respect an education which doesn't give you letters to place after your name. Although I should be bitter over all the snide comments regarding the superiority of a degree over autodidactism, I've always equally admired those who through years of college  acquired a degree. As an adult I became more impressed with a person's intellect and how it's integrated into the whole person than by what methods knowledge was acquired. I have been a little put-off, though, when people have used their degrees to undeservedly elevate their status.

One thing I've learned is that knowledge is free for anyone to gain, and that just because someone has a degree doesn't mean they have retained much knowledge or still possess the desire to learn. Years ago I was grandfathered into a therapist position in which I supervised therapists with Master level degrees, although I didn't even possess a bachelor's degree. There was grumbing in the beginning until I proved I knew what I needed to know and eventually gained their confidence and respect -- and, hopefully, it made them think about learning from a different perspective. It's strange how we think about education and this has created degree factories pumping our graduates who never really grasp the art of learning, which is a lifelong process. To gain a decorative degree and stop learning is practically useless and a waste of a valuable experience.

Learning, for me, is one of the greatest pleasures I experience. I still get excited when I buy a new book -- it's like the anxious prospect of finding a treasure, another piece of a puzzle. The love of learning is far more important than memorizing information from a text book long enough to pass a test.

The state of education today pains me, and I wish we could find an answer to the problem and inspire young people to develope a love for learning. Sometimes I think schools, to a degree (no pun intended), have become obstacles to real education and to learning how to think. Although I don't have an answers to the problems of education, I sincerely believe it lies within the private realm and not in the public education system.

We sorely need innovation, new ideas, marketing campaigns, internet emphasis from influential, popular figures, technological creativity and just a general concern for lifelong learning. Even at mid-age, in a quickly changing technologically advanced society, people need that discipline of lifelong learning to adjust to the changes -- I have a feeling it would even extend lifespans and add to the enjoyment of later years by keeping things interesting and challenging. It's never too late to learn.