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The message in the book, based on my understanding from online reviews and summaries, resonates with me. I usually have a hard time with school and I've found that if I study on my own, under my own control, and that I get an opportunity to figure things out when I need or want to, I will usually do well when the material is formally taught. University doesn't really offer this for me because there's always a necessity to progress.

[merlinsbrain]

As mentioned in my other comments, I am quite similar in this approach. I've never done 'academically well' after high school but this is the exact approach I use to gain whatever knowledge I need for mental stimulation/curiosity/to get the job done.

Where I live, however there's a strong emphasis on degrees - the brand value of your institution defines you unless you prove otherwise, a chance which is rarely given and even more rarely chosen (due to personal reasons I guess - family, finances, general need for stability etc).

Degrees do work well for some people however, and I really respect the students who manage to make the most out of university education and the experience.

I guess the issue just comes down to scalability again, and people like you and I are not the masses (in this context).

I'm actually interested to know more about how exactly you go about learning something - would love to share ideas! [Email and Twitter in my profile]