An Inquiry Into the Methods of Learning II: The Autodidact

The Autodidact is far more rare to find because they have characteristics that are harder to maintain, such as independence, inner drive, and innovation. The Autodidact learns independently of authority, he takes charge of his education and takes calculated risks. He doesn't need to be in school, he assigns himself homework, and sets his own rigorous schedule. The Autodidact cannot be stopped from learning.

Epistemologically, The autodidact can, upon choice, know things authoritatively, empirically, Rationally, and Revelatory; meaning that he can learn through a teacher and environment, but he can also learn things through himself  with logic and revelation.

The Autodidact at heart believes that anything that is wrong within his own environment is his fault and can only be fixed if he gets the ball rolling. His teacher, community, and friends are only as good as himself. If he finds himself the child of wealthy parents in upstate new york with a prospect of attending Harvard, then he realizes that he needs to maintain the situation or intentionally improve the situation. Or, if he find himself an orphan out on the street surrounded by other urchins, then he will do the exact same thing because circumstance does not factor into his success.

Therefore, how does being a Autodidact effect his ability to be successful? Scenarios to the Autodidact are nonmaterial, he sets his own terms. The real question then becomes, what does the autodidact personally want? There is a score of ways to answer this question and depends entirely on the individual; In fact the entire equation hinges on the individual, because only The Autodidact in question can determine his destiny. We can imagine that the autodidact can, upon choice, become the greatest military hero to ever live, liberating an entire country from an iron fist. To be able to do this, one must be an Autodidact because no earthly teacher could take you under their wings, no template is available for such a purpose. To become such a hero, one must be an Autodidact. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum however, we might see an Autodidact living on the street on purpose. Though they might not "have it all" in terms of material wealth, they are definitely out on the street based on their private motive; possibly to live a life of meditation.

Thereby we see the critical difference between Apodekteons and Autodidacts, the difference being that one is a product of environment and one is the product of self molding. Success is then that measure by which the creation fulfills it's purpose. The Apodekteon is as successful as far as environment permits. The Autodidact is only as successful as he can permit. The environment sets the standards of success for the Apodeckteon, and the Autodidact sets the standard of success for himself. Therefore, the success  of education is the measure of the student to be successful.