I'm trying to educate myself (Autodidacticism), is there a structured way to do this?

Columbia University is well-known for its Core Curriculum, courses required for graduation. It makes a great foundation for a college education. You might consider going here and checking out what those courses comprise and how you might participate on your own. They even have syllabi posted, so you’ll know exactly what texts you need.
Just an idea.

You might consider picking up a copy of this book or this one to identify fields in which you need more study.

very commendable, but can one speed read through Plato’s republic, or Kant’s critique of pure reason, i was slogging my way for days through that one. Travelling is also as important as books, i think also some investigation of Eastern and esoteric philosophy and practice.

Agreed. And no, most material needs to be examined carefully. I couldn’t speed read Plato’s republic…the books I read fast were ones like “Made to Stick” and “Borrowing Brilliance”, the typical B&N stuff. That’s why I want to expand into more “academia” type material, but with structure.

I had written “Genes,” and I meant it in the purely genetic way. This is something you should read up about, but I can find sources if you want. I.e. either one is genetically pre-disposed to being able to learn by oneself (in a sufficient manner) – OR NOT, IMHO.

Nothing personal here – you yourself are not sure if you are able to. Just as I can hardly see (literally) ; I read and write and explain and listen to better understand something; someone else might learn best by watching.

Others like to be told or explained to, like in a lecture; some, on the other hand, can’t sit still long enough to absorb info – and with the internet today – would probably do better to be given solo research projects and have them later checked.

I meant no ill by saying it’s genetic: I think pretty much everything is genes, chemical make-up and chromosones. Maybe, once they’ve completed the genome map, we’ll know what is the exact best way for each human being to learn best, and not just info about dieting and diseases and such, albeit important

Nature and nurture? I side a bit more with nature.

Until then, trial and error, my young friend. But then, you should research this yourself; don’t take my word for it.

Zen out.

:-)

I had been an autodidact for about 40 years or so before I began to attend college in 2006. In my experience, while my reading and education has been wide ranging, covering topics that schools sometimes treat as being rather recondite, it is also true that I have been discovering odd and unpredictable gaps in my knowledge, things that most of my fellow stoonts seem to know and take for granted.

Perhaps because of this I was struck by the fact that your question asked for structure and formality, which seems wise to me. Perhaps you could begin by being guided by the core curricula of some Ivy League schools. I wish you very good luck. It is an exciting adventure, but I will caution you that you will be evaluated by your lack of credentials when it comes to employment, no matter how complete your education. Indeed that is the reason that I am forced, late in life, to attend school – I desperately need the documents.

The most famed of the Core Curriculum is the University of Chicago’s program, of which many other schools are modeled. The catalog provides a more detailed look at the curriculum. One approach would be to discern the textbooks and supplemental reading list for these classes and work your way through the core curriculum.

Do you live close to a college or uni that has evening classes? The interchange of ideas, the challenge and response of teachers and classmates help you to learn, even though what you are doing is very commendable.

Well-known NYC movie critic and writer, David Denby, returned to Columbia in 1991 to retake the Great Books core curriculum course. He had been an undergrad at Columbia more than 30 years earlier and wanted to discover what it felt likke to reread, re-discuss and to be a student again. Out of this experience came a wonderful book; “Great Books.”

Denby found the reading just as difficult as it had been, he had trouble completing the assignments on time, he was asked to teach one class (on Jane Austin) and had to be removed from the front of the classroom by the instructor.

The reading list alone will take you through the traditional (from the Brits) classical education.

http://www.amazon.com/Great-Books-David-Denby/dp/0684835339

Great responses. I really appreciate the help – will look into the resources provided.

This list is worth a look – Colleges and Universities that Offer Free Courses Online