Autodidacticism

Autodidacticism (also autodidactism) is self-education or self-directed learning. An autodidact, also known as an automath, is a mostly self-taught person &mdash; typically someone who has an enthusiasm for self-education and a high degree of self-motivation.

Quotes

 * Lenin, an 'innocent' and an autodidact in philosophy ... had the audacity to suggest the idea that a theory of philosophy is essential to a really conscious and responsible practice of philosophy.
 * Louis Althusser, Lenin and Philosophy (1971), pp. 17-18


 * In hastening to solitude and exile, do not wait for world-loving souls, because the thief comes unexpectedly. In trying to save the careless and indolent along with themselves, many perish with them, because in course of time the fire goes out. As soon as the flame is burning within you, run; for you do not know when it will go out and leave you in darkness. Not all of us are required to save others. The divine Apostle says, ... "Thou therefore who teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?" This is like saying: I do not know whether we must teach others; but teach yourselves at all costs.
 * Johannes Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, as translated by Archimandrite Lazarus Moore (Holy Transfiguration Monastery: 1959), § 3:4, p. 17


 * One who knows little may explain that little with more ease and efficacy than one who has his head stuffed full of the prescribed bunch of official wisdom.
 * Joseph Dietzgen, Letters on Logic: Especially Democratic-Proletarian Logic (1906), Letter 1


 * For dear to gods and men is sacred song. Self-taught I sing; by Heaven and Heaven alone, The genuine seeds of poesy are sown.
 * Homer, Odyssey bk. XXII, line 382, Pope's translation


 * When brought to the proletariat from the capitalist class, science is invariably adapted to suit capitalist interests. What the proletariat needs is a scientific understanding of its own position in society. That kind of science a worker cannot obtain in the officially and socially approved manner. The proletarian himself must develop his own theory. For this reason he must be completely self-taught.
 * Karl Kautsky, "The intellectuals and the workers," Die Neue Zeit, vol. 22, no. 4 (1903)


 * When it came to formal classes, I was a slacker. But I’ve always been a diligent autodidact and can teach myself virtually any subject — if I have a serious interest in it.
 * Dean Koontz,


 * That man is intellectually of the mass who, in the face of any problem, is satisfied with thinking the first thing he finds in his head. On the contrary, the excellent man is he who condemns what he finds in his mind without previous effort, and only accepts as worthy of him what is still far above him and what requires a further effort in order to be reached.
 * José Ortega y Gasset, The Revolt of the Masses (1929), p. 63


 * Institutions are not pretty. Show me a pretty government. Healing is wonderful, but the American Medical Association? Learning is wonderful, but universities? The same is true for religion... religion is institutionalized spirituality.
 * Huston Smith; quoted in


 * "Self-taught, are you?" Julian Castle asked Newt. "Isn't everybody?" Newt inquired. "Very good answer." Castle was respectful.
 * Kurt Vonnegut, Cat's Cradle (1963)


 * Drop out of school before your mind rots from exposure to our mediocre educational system. Forget about the Senior Prom and go to the library and educate yourself if you've got any guts. Some of you like Pep rallies and plastic robots who tell you what to read. Forget I mentioned it. This song has no message. Rise for the flag salute.
 * Frank Zappa, liner notes for song "Hungry Freaks Daddy" on the album Freak Out!