Seven extraordinary minds who taught themselves. Each had a single transformative book or encounter that opened a door—and the persistence to walk through it alone.
The pattern across all seven: obsessive self-study from primary sources, one transformative resource, the courage to work beyond their training, and a moment when someone recognized their talent.
| Name | Years | Formal Education | Key Resource | Method | Mentor | Breakthrough Age |
|---|
Click any card to explore the documented turning points—the specific books, encounters, and methods that made genius possible.