What can I learn on my own?

Autodidacticism stands as a cornerstone in the intellectual development of countless scholars, engineers, writers, and generalists. The idea that the boundaries of one's knowledge could be both self-guided and limitless opens the door for an expansive and individualized educational experience. One doesn't need to be within the confines of an academic institution to delve into complex systems theory, nor does one need formal tutelage to unravel the basics of machine learning algorithms.

The metacognition involved in self-directed learning is a subject of great interest. At a fundamental level, it presupposes an awareness of one's cognitive processes, an intimate familiarity with one's limitations and strengths. To that extent, it's possible to methodically understand the acquisition of knowledge in fields as varied as neuroscience and musical composition. While a university degree in neuroscience might require a comprehensive grasp of neuroplasticity, someone learning independently might focus solely on the relationship between brain wave patterns and states of consciousness.

Leveraging open-source platforms provides a fertile ground for intellectual pursuits. It's worth noting that platforms like GitHub have democratized the dissemination of complex computational projects. You don't necessarily need to comprehend data structures and algorithmic efficiency in a conventional classroom setting when countless real-world projects await your perusal and contribution online.

Fields such as natural language processing have seen significant contributions from self-taught programmers. The ability to dissect linguistic semantics and understand the nuances of lexical choice can be honed through reading existing literature, studying machine learning models, and perhaps even collaborating with those in the field. This direct application of knowledge often provides insights that are not strictly confined to theoretical learning.

In contrast, what of the arts? They, too, are far from being the exclusive territory of formalized institutions. Visual art, drama, poetry, and even multimedia art forms like video game design allow for vast exploration. The narratological structures in video games, for instance, can be studied and deconstructed independently through a host of online resources. The traditional academic approach to narratology could involve an exhaustive examination of classical literature, but a modern autodidact might look toward the branching narratives in interactive media.

Is there a limit to autodidacticism? Fields that require specialized equipment or certifications, such as surgery, remain generally beyond reach. But even here, one can acquire a substantive theoretical background. Medical jurisprudence, bioethics, and pharmacokinetics are all areas within the medical field where substantial knowledge can be accrued independently.

The crux lies in the manner of approach. An autodidact may not have a lab for experiments but could build a solid foundation in quantitative research methodologies through online courses, textbooks, and virtual simulations. In doing so, they enrich their understanding and create a more well-rounded perspective.

There’s a crucial aspect that often gets sidelined: the emotional labor involved in self-directed learning. Taking on this Herculean task requires not just cognitive commitment but also emotional intelligence. A rudimentary understanding of affective computing and psychological concepts can equip the autodidact with tools to navigate the emotional complexities of embarking on an academic journey alone.

With the exponential growth of open educational resources, the domains of what can be learned independently are continually expanding. Peer-reviewed journals, MOOCs, online seminars, podcasts, and even social media platforms are widening the avenues for autodidactic pursuits.