An autodidact is someone who actively seeks out knowledge about things he or she is passionate or curious about.
An autodidact is a self-educator, someone who is a teacher and a learner at the same time
This is primarily achieved by self administered education, primarily from reading books or consuming any information or media (videos, courses, podcasts, books, e books, audio-books etc)
virtually any authoritative material is considered an appropriate body of knowledge
The chief difference between a formal education approach and the auto-didactic approach is that its a process that is owned and driven by the autodidact themselves, who often has a passion for the subject or curiosity and this is so overwhelming that a traditional education on the subject may not be enough, fast enough or not structured in the best way for an autodidact to consume information.
Key Features of Autodidactism
- The self-learner has full control over their learning (from topic to knowledge depth, to study hours and learning approach)
- Autodidacticism is often spurred by the individual’s passion and thirst for knowledge
- Unlike conventional educational settings, autodidacticism is a conscious, self-imposed activity the learner takes great pleasure in
Ref: https://www.spreeder.com/do-you-know-if-youre-an-autodidact/
Someone who owns and drives their own education process – largely because it is passion driven
- An Autodidact is someone who critically and willingly seeks out knowledge.
- I am always continuously making a focused attempt to acquire new knowledge, in a private setting, ie at home or through some informal process. (not a university as the formal structure and method of learning would be way too restrictive and slow for my tastes)
- To be an autodidact is not mean you have superior cognitive abilities it has more to do with embracing an approach where you own and pursue your own learning.
- I have a need to acquire and seek out more knowledge – this has resulted in me accumulating an impressive and deep array or body of knowledge in diverse subjects
- Autodidacticism is by definition the informal, private, self-teaching process during which the self-educator gathers, processes, absorbs, and uses new knowledge.
- Knowledge is not limited to books, virtually any material is considered an appropriate body of knowledge (videos, audiobooks, books, podcasts, courses etc)
- Autodidacticism is the result of human inquisitiveness, the urge to engage with lifelong learning on a discipline or matter you are passionate about.
Quote from Spreeder.com (same link as above)
Autodidacticism is greatly advanced when you have a fit, strong memory. A good memory helps you process and understand new knowledge at your own pace by recalling it often for deeper, critical processing.
Autodidacticism is a completely beneficial habit to acquire. It ensures you learn things of true interest that help you become a better qualified person in what you love and are passionate about. Being a self-taught individual gives you a discerning edge over those who don’t engage with lifelong self-directed learning.
If there’s a good time to become an autodidact, it’s now!
I wholeheartedly agree with the bolded statement above, slowly this habit gives you more knowledge than most people who dont engage in continuous learning, giving you a continuous winning edge in business and life.
Its fun, as you are learning things you are passionate about, why wouldn’t you delve into what you love?