The idea that America is a literate country is a misconception. There are more than thirty million adults in the United States today who cannot read, and spectator mentality and an obsession with instant gratification prevent many from retaining a true commitment to literacy. The issue persists despite a wealth of dedicated teachers across the country. Through no fault of their own, many educators are unable to excite students about learning to read and write. In response to this problem, James W. Parkinson argues that people must become responsible for their own education and learn the importance of being self-taught in reading and writing. In Autodidactic: Self-Taught, Parkinson shares his personal stories and discoveries about how to take charge of one's own learning, weaving together practical wisdom and historical statements issued by some of the world's most remarkable leaders. Parkinson details his failures and successes, his inability to engage intellectually in his youth, and his efforts to educate himself over a span of forty years -- all to remind readers that education is a lifelong challenge with no shortcuts. This book promises to motivate students, doctors, factory workers, and flight attendants alike to take matters into their own hands when it comes to learning in order to change their lives for the better.