Do you prefer to learn on your own or through a more formal education?

I'm a huge advocate of academic learning, but the reality is that technology is changing so fast that institutions just can't iterate quickly enough to stay up to date. So, people in tech-related jobs HAVE TO study a lot on their own. But it's not applicable to EVERY job or field of knowledge out there. Most of the jobs can be taught by someone else, and imo it's the more preferrable way. Of course you can teach yourself math and accounting, for example, or learn everything about Fundamental and Tech analysis for investing / trading. It's not impossible and can be done reasonably fast, but why all the hassle if you can learn from someone else, who'll save you stress, time, and probably save from risks of not learning something not popular, but crucial? When you teach yourself, you are learning on your own - and there is no one nearby you who has experience and knowledge to direct you if you're wrong - you have to learn everything the hard way, on your own. But when there is a teacher who has the knowledge, experience and wisdom - they can help you big time. I know that it's important to be able to learn on your own, 80% of my knowledge are obtained that way. But it's also the truth that I had VERY STRONG teachers in my school / undergrad who helped me build a very solid FOUNDATION and taught me how to study on my own. If I have time and money for formal education, and there are some schools out there who have a good track record of teaching - and teaching well - I'd always pick Formal Ed. But unfortunately, it's very rare when you have time, money and good institutions. And the final example to back my ideas here: Imagine 2 students who have to learn playing piano: a talented one, and an average one. Good Music School can teach both, and both will achieve a certain level. Average one will be able to play average stuff, and will know the basics of music theory, so it will up to him to practice and continue with his/her development. The talented one could reach the same level even without a school, but with the school he might cover the 'boring' stuff that is essential for a future quality growth. Whereas the 'average' student would have already quit and stopped trying, and never achieved this 'average' level without the school - it's just not that easy to learn skills like playing piano on your own, and online - you really have to have a teacher nearby, directing you fingers, palms, posture. There are no pianists, or singers, or any other musicians who say that people don't need formal education. Many of the most famous stars had to start on their own because they didn't have access to formal schools and they still somehow managed to shine on their own. But further in their careers, every single of them went to good teachers and schools just to improve and accelerate their development, and many of self-made stars are becoming more professional throughout their careers, even after they became famous. A good school and a good teacher is what everyone needs, regardless of the seniority and field of knowledge. Unfortunately, most of the times we don't have them available and have to pave our own paths.