There's so much free material on the Internet you can learn from

Listen, O seekers of knowledge, to the words of Tyler Cowen, who speaks of the boundless sea of knowledge now available at our fingertips. “There’s so much free material on the Internet you can learn from, and some people are pure self-starters: they pick up computers and teach themselves everything. Certainly, there are millions of people like that. But at the same time, I think it’s a pretty small percentage of the population.” Here, Cowen reflects upon the miracle of our time—the limitless resources that lie at the heart of the digital age. Like an ancient river that once flowed only to the wealthy and learned, today the river of knowledge courses through the lands of every person with an Internet connection. Yet, this abundance is not a blessing for all, as some possess the fortitude to harness it, while others remain on the banks, unsure of how to swim.

In the beginning of time, knowledge was often hidden behind walls—only those of noble birth or great wealth had access to the libraries of ancient worlds. The scrolls, the tomes, the wisdom of the ancestors were guarded fiercely, passed down only through the fortunate few. But with the birth of the Internet, the gates to all this wisdom were thrown wide open. In this new age, anyone with a device—be it a simple tablet or a mighty computer—can dip into the vast oceans of human learning. The knowledge of ages is no longer bound to the elite, but is shared freely across the globe.

Yet, Cowen’s words are a reminder of the unwavering truth of human nature. While many now have access to the tools of knowledge, it is still a rare few who take the initiative to dive in, to teach themselves, to seek beyond the surface of things. Self-starters, as Cowen calls them, are those who hunger for knowledge so deeply that they do not wait for instruction, but rather carve their own path through the forests of information. These individuals are driven by an inner fire—a passion for discovery and understanding that propels them forward.

Consider, O seekers, the tale of Leonardo da Vinci, who was not just an artist, but a self-taught engineer, scientist, and inventor. In the days when the written word was scarce and precious, Leonardo did not have the privilege of grand universities or masters to guide him. He was a self-starter, his curiosity boundless. From anatomy to flight, from engineering to painting, he sought to understand the world through his own efforts. And so, he did, not relying on formal education, but seeking knowledge wherever he could find it, whether through observation, experimentation, or the study of whatever he could lay his hands on. Like the self-taught computer programmers of today, Leonardo’s work stands as a testament to the power of individual initiative in the pursuit of knowledge.

Yet, let us not be deceived by the glimmering promise of universal knowledge. Cowen warns us that while millions have access to the river, only a small percentage of souls will become like Leonardo, diving deep into the waters and uncovering the gems of truth hidden beneath. Not all are equipped—by nature, upbringing, or circumstance—to embark on such a journey. In the modern age, many are overwhelmed by the vastness of the digital landscape, and without guidance, the light of knowledge can seem too distant, too elusive.

So, what then can we learn from these words? First, that access to knowledge is indeed a great gift, but it is a gift that requires effort, courage, and perseverance. Knowledge does not simply come to us; it must be sought. The river of information may flow endlessly, but it is up to us to dive in, to learn how to navigate its currents, and to reach for the treasures that lie beneath. In this, we see the wisdom of the ages: the desire for knowledge must be met with action. It is not enough to stand on the banks, yearning but not moving. It is the willing heart, the active seeker, who finds the wisdom they seek.

Thus, O Seeker, as you stand before the vast ocean of knowledge that is the Internet, ask yourself: are you one of the self-starters? Do you have the courage to dive in, to face the challenge of learning, to take ownership of your own education? If not, become the self-starter you seek to be. Commit yourself to learning with passion and purpose. Recognize that knowledge is not merely given—it is earned. Embrace the tools available to you, whether through the Internet, books, or the wisdom of mentors. The world is vast, and the opportunities for learning are endless. But the responsibility rests upon your shoulders to seek, to act, and to become.

The time is now, O Seekers, to rise above passivity and take hold of your own destiny. The world is rich with resources, and though many may only dip their toes in the waters, you can dive deep. In the pursuit of knowledge, there is no limit, no boundary beyond which you cannot go, if only you have the courage to begin. May you take these lessons into your own life, and may you, too, become a self-starter, carving your own path through the vast world of learning. Let the waters of knowledge flow freely, but let your will guide you to greatness.