I have been trying to be an aUtoDidAct for the last 5 years and I seriously failed. My technical skills are stagnating. My social skills deteriorated. My network is abysmal. The value of working in team with others, and being able to talk to experts is really invaluable when it comes to learning. Some stuff can't be found in books nor on internet, and you can't learn it by yourself unless you spend 10 years on the topic.

So, for me at least, I think being an autodidact is not the best option when it comes to learning.

I think some people are really creative and curious, and benefit from having more freedom, but most people need guidance. We shouldn't push the message than anyone can learn anything by himself, even though I wish it were true.