The meaning of autodidact in the simplest terms is a self-taught person.

The first image that springs to mind is of someone who does not have the benefit of formal education probably due to lack of means.

However, this need not be the case. In order to understand this further, let us examine the environment around us.

We are living in a VUCA (volatile uncertain complex and ambiguous) world, where change is the only constant and disruptive change is the new norm.

In order to survive, let alone thrive, in this VUCA world, one  needs to constantly change and upgrade one’s skills and challenge their core beliefs. The impossible of yesterday has become the norm of today in several industries and walks of life.

Consequently, many of the skills and intellectual assets that were most valued yesterday can all but become obsolete today.

Now, lets come back to the relevance and meaning of autodidact. Under these circumstances, is it possible for the average person to go back to the traditional educational system to upgrade their educational and intellectual armory to survive the VUCA world.

Obviously not !

And hence, this is the last and final call for all Autodidacts, to start and keep learning on their own, without recourse to conventional wisdom of formal learning. The world will witness the Rise of the Autodidacts, who will thrive in this VUCA world.