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.

Tyler Cowen’s quote, "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," reflects his view on the opportunities for self-directed learning in the digital age. Cowen highlights the vast amount of free resources available online that can empower individuals to learn new skills and knowledge. He emphasizes that there are certainly people who take full advantage of these resources and teach themselves, especially in areas like technology and computing.

However, Cowen also acknowledges that while self-starters are capable of learning on their own, they represent only a small percentage of the population. This suggests that while the internet has democratized access to education and information, not everyone has the same level of motivation, discipline, or ability to independently navigate the abundance of materials available. In other words, while many can potentially learn through the internet, the reality is that only a few are able to fully harness the potential of these resources without external guidance.

The quote reflects Cowen's broader interest in economics, human behavior, and the ways in which technology influences our learning and productivity. As an economist and thinker, he is often concerned with how digital advancements shape individuals’ skills and opportunities. By pointing out that not everyone is a self-starter, Cowen underscores a critical nuance: access to knowledge doesn't necessarily guarantee the ability to learn effectively without proper structure or motivation.

The origin of this quote likely comes from Cowen’s broader discussions on the impact of technology on modern society. As someone who frequently explores the intersection of economics and technology, his observation about the internet’s role in education reflects his belief that while the potential for self-learning is immense, it's not universally accessible or equally effective for everyone. His acknowledgment of self-starters contrasts with the reality that most people still require structure, guidance, or external motivation to fully benefit from online learning.