“The Autodidact”
Why am I an autodidact and how is it I have not pursued a formal education – beyond an Associates degree? The cost aside – my “momentarily” outstanding student loan has made me ineligible for additional student loans. However – I now can and do pursue any subject I choose. Yes, I indulge myself as situations or subjects present themselves – and not simply with the ad hoc intent of attaining a degree. I vet books which interest me and I even have been known to skip a particular chapter or section when and if it bores me. From Hawthorne to Shakespeare – Stephen King to Hugh Thomas – Science fiction to Science fact – subjects that cover Human Geography to Biology – and I am not coerced or bullied into memorization of so called facts – relevant or irrelevant – followed by regurgitation and/or testing. Yes, I reject so called knowledge that rapidly disappears into a noetic black hole – which is beyond the pale of usefulness. So – the long-term process of educating myself is an ongoing and joyful and although I’m perceived by many as uneducated and unenlightened (and cannot and would not qualify for a position as an assistant manager at a hotdog stand) I feel confidently that I can pull my (excessive) weight with many members of the intelligentsia. Several manifesto’s, several dozen novels, screenplays and hundreds of essays later – I’m a successful blogger on the internet My work is being read, scrutinized, praised and criticized.
I can design and build a residence that will put most architects and builders to shame. I was a licensed plumber and contractor and as for wiring a house – from it’s panel board to the GFCI’s in the bathroom, kitchen and outdoors – NM to UF – EMT to THHN – it’s all a breeze. And I have learned and done it on my own. I’m competent on repairing automobiles and I know the hardware of a computer. I am in the process of learning PHP and Unix/Linux-based Fedora (software). I have my hands full and am happy and contented with my achievable goals.
I am an autodidact because I am simply unwilling to abide by societies rigid, “often unreasonable – yes, “anal” – rules!
Consequently I may never elevate myself beyond the position of a fat, balding, paranoid schizophrenic who masturbates. So be it!
And the world has lost a leader manque, a problem-solver, a pioneer or trailblazer.
And I have nothing and as such – I have nothing to lose.
Jessy J.T.
The Man Who Lost His Mind - Essays and Manifestos by the Iconoclast 