Book Review #2: Secrets of a Buccaneer-Scholar

This is a ground breaking book. It is an attempt to present a complete system of self education outside of the traditional classroom situation. The author is not against formal education per se but he opposes the common belief that getting a formal education is the only way to succeed in life. He agrees that education is essential for self-development and success, but, as discovered and proven in his own experience, he believes that the non-formal route is not only a valid alternative, but for some people (with a 'buccaneer' spirit like him), is even a better and preferable option!

The author, James Marcus Bach, gives his readers a tour d'horizon of his adventurous journey of self education. He recounts some of his happy moments in formal schooling when, under one or two good teachers that understood non-dictatorial/non-repressive approach of mentoring, he enjoyed studies. He contrasts this with those gloomy moments when the flickering sparks of his enthusiasm for school were finally snuffed out by authoritarian teachers that instruct by intimidation, humiliation, forced conformity, dogmatism, and blind obedience.

Realizing that the traditional mode of schooling was no longer of help in his self-development, he chose to drop out of school at 16 years old. One of his teachers forecast that he would some day end up serving in a gasoline station. Yet overcoming all odds, armed with unquenchable passion for discovery and learning plus persistent diligence, he began to educate himself using all means at his disposal - books, the Internet, words from people around him, personal experience.

He discovered that it's possible for him to learn at his own pace, free from outside coercion and pressure, and pursue his real interest in the sea of knowledge. He set up his sail as a 'buccaneer-scholar' (a term that he coined to serve as a figure to describe himself and the resultant principles of self-education that he came to discover), and initiated an adventure of a lifetime!

At 20, contrary to the negative expectation of some of his former teachers, he became the youngest computer tech manager at Apple, proving that a college degree from a formal school is not the only ticket to success. He only has an eighth-grade diploma.

This book can be useful not only for school dropouts at any level (elementary/high school/college), as a source of inspiration and instruction, but also for parents of homeschooling children. It could also provide a stimulus to college grads (like me - hehehe), for it could show that learning doesn't end at graduation. It's not yet too late. They could also become 'buccaneer-scholars'. They could still recover their earlier youth curiosity. They could still be young again - young at heart that is, not in age - by recovering their passion for learning.

James Marcus Bach is now in his 40s. He now runs a quite successful consulting business and is often invited to give lectures in tech schools and universities. In his book Secrets of a Buccaneer-Scholar: How Self-Education and the Pursuit of Passion can Lead to a Lifetime of Success he shares the great secret principles that demonstrate that it's possible to have a real quality education apart from formal schooling. He also proves that success is not just for college grads, masters, and doctors. It could also become true to anyone whose passion for knowledge and self-fulfillment drive them to sail on perseveringly for the island treasures of their dream.