zlacker

The capacity for self-education is not innate for most people. Developing this capacity requires dedication, the ability to delay gratification, significant emotional regulation, and most importantly it requires knowing how to learn. For optimal results, these skills must be fostered from an early age all the way through young adulthood. People who grew up with deprivation or abuse or neglect are unlikely to be good self-learners as adults.

>>m_faye+(OP)
You also forgot the most important factor. Time. When your in school it's paid for. When your in college it's paid for. When you have children and you need to "put food on the table" the equation tips the other direction.

>>m_faye+(OP)
>The capacity for self-education is not innate for most people.

I disagree. Most mentally healthy people are capable of self-education. Self-education is what makes human a human. Being an adult person requires working self-education skill -- using public transit, bank services, mobile phones, internet, microwave ovens, TV sets, driving, etc -- all requires self-education to some extent. Getting professional skills is more difficult, but it just requires more effort, not a completely new skill.