Secrets of a Buccaneer-Scholar: How Self-Education and the Pursuit of Passion Can Lead to a Lifetime of Success

"A Buccaneer-Scholar is anyone whose love of learning is not muzzled or shackled by any institution or authority; whose mind is driven to wander and find its own place in the world." The volatility of the job market and the limitless opportunities afforded by the internet have forever changed people's attitudes about schooling. In this world of rapid technological development, people are becoming successful, making money and finding personal satisfaction through non-traditional means. Ideas have become more important than training; innovation is more important than credentials. The ability to educate oneself -- to learn how to learn -- is crucial. James Bach, the son of bestselling author Richard Bach ("Jonathan Livingston Seagull," ) understands that. Like so many young people, James struggled in school, eventually dropping out at age sixteen. A few years later, he was leading a team at Apple Computer. Now an internationally recognized expert in the field of computer software testing, James has written "Secrets of a Buccaneer-Scholar" a groundbreaking book that shows how anyone can create their own education on their own terms. It is nurturing our individual curiosities and relishing the learning process that will lead anyone -- from children struggling in school to professionals looking to jumpstart their careers -- to success. In his unique pithy and anecdotal style, and combining his personal story with proven methodologies, James describes the relentless, whimsical, low-intensity learning process he calls "buccaneering." "Secrets of a Buccaneer-Scholar" demonstrates that it is the people who chart their own course, who never stop learning, who will come to dominate this new world.

Review :
""Secrets of a Buccaneer-Scholar" is about the thrill of taking responsibility for your own thinking. James Bach demonstrates that the pursuit of intelligence is what makes you intelligent, more than any inborn IQ or formal certification. His story is shameless, reckless and inspiring while his unique methods transfer competency to every reader. "Secrets of a Buccaneer-Scholar" is a wicked smart book about becoming wicked smart." -- STAN SLAP, president/CEO of slap, an international consulting group "An informative and entertaining account of how to acquire a great education and a good job without classroom instruction...a healing balm for parents whose children are struggling in school, providing both with helpful tools." " -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY" "In straightforward language, James Bach details his methods, which could convert America's million-plus yearly dropouts into a new source of national wealth." -- JOHN TAYLOR GATTO, author of "Weapons of Mass Instruction, " former New York State Teacher of the Year "Bach's book is a wake-up call. I recommend it to just about anyone who wants to hear a different take on learning from what they've heard from parents and teachers." --Earnthis.net "James Bach has demonstrated that there are opportunities for each one of us to expand the innate capacity of our mind to learn and be creative without surrendering to the dictates of an academic establishment." --"Theradicalhumanist.com" "With remarkable insight, James Bach describes the tools, skills and mindset necessary to create your own education. If the millions of students currently sitting in class took Bach's simple advice and began creating products, projects, and organizations in the real world, unemployment could be solved practically overnight." --Dale J. Stephens, "Founder of UnCollege.com"