The Autodidact Renaissance

Only the curious shall be saved + "103 soul stretching books" reading list

If you’re reading this, you’re likely a curious human being.

I made a reading list meant for you. It has 103 books — nonfiction and fiction — that changed my life. I bet you’ve read many of them already. But maybe you’ll find a new gem or two.

The PDF includes must read sections, and links to buy the book on Amazon if you wish.

Here you go:

103 Soul Stretching Books

1.14MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

I hope you enjoy it, as well as this weeks piece!

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The Autodidact Renaissance Is Happening

Michelangelo, the famous leading figure of the Renaissance, lived until he was 88 years old. Near the very end of his life, he is rumored to have said “ancora imparò” which translates to “I am still learning.”

This sentiment captures the spirit of the Renaissance, the historical period when geniuses like Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raphael embraced the rediscovered wisdom of Ancient Greece and Rome, while innovating in art, science, and other disciplines.

This brilliant big three was not only composed of great artists, but some of the greatest learners of all time. They were autodidacts—people who use their curiosity to pursue knowledge and skills on their own terms.

Leonardo, for example, epitomized the essence of an autodidact. He had very little formal schooling, yet was a world class painter, engineer, scientist, theorist, sculptor, and architect. He followed his intense curiosity and saw every moment as a learning opportunity.

Being an autodidact was foundational to Renaissance thought, a principle that encouraged people to not only learn in schools, but to also pursue self-education. A principle that encouraged people not to learn what to think, but how to think.

Contrast these ideals with the reality of today’s education system. Schools and Universities all too often stifle creativity and curiosity, instead imposing boring structure and rigid ideologies. It has even been speculated that many American schools were initially modeled after the Prussian military, designed to instill conformity and obedience among students.

What are the results of this?

How many people do you know who view “education” as something that happens only in a formal school, somehow separate from life? How many people do you know who used to have curious minds but now have factory minds?

For both questions, it’s unlikely your answer is zero. Unfortunately, maybe a lot of people even came to your mind.

This is a tragedy.

Despite these challenges, I believe there will be a resurgence in autodidacticism. The realization is dawning that education cannot and is not confined to institutions.

The 21st century, with its ever-advancing technology, offers unparalleled opportunities for self-education. E-readers, the internet, and AI have democratized access to knowledge. Now, from Dostoevsky to the Buddha, Lao Tzu to Nietzsche, Confucius to Marcus Aurelius, the world’s best ideas and most profound wisdom is always just a few clicks away.

We’re at the beginning of a radical new era, reminiscent of the Renaissance, where self-driven learners will thrive the most. With the digital equivalent of the Library of Alexandria always available, the autodidacts of today echo the spirit of Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raphael, proving once again that while not everything can be taught, anything can be learned.