Calvin Coolidge (former President of the US) said in the early 1900s.
Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
Read more at:
https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/c...oolidge_414555
But today, Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) underpins everyday life, including the aircraft you will one day fly. While it is true that some people (e.g. Dick Smith) are smart enough to learn to fly and make a good $ in business without an education, it is rare. If your intelligence and skills are above average (but not exceptional) you will need an education. Suggest you read the "Uni or Not" thread under "Professional Pilot Training". Most of those pilots who didn't do a degree ( and say education is not necessary) became a pilot long ago, and their experience will not be yours.Today having the lot is very handy: i.e. Talent, Genius, Education, Persistence and Determination.
You inherit Genius, but Talent can be built with Education, Persistence and Determination so you can build your intellect and skills
Remember, Prior Preparation Prevents Pathetically Poor Performance (P**6)
Seabreeze