Two types of learning
There are two types of learning. I'll just use the example of reading a book to make it simple.
One type of learning is when you are told to read a book, or assigned a book to read (obviously like in a school situation). That is an important type of learning because you likely will read something that you would not have read by your own choice. This is important because to learn we have to provoke our limits of understanding and interests and we have to have that forced.
The other type of learning is when you are seeking out subject matter and understanding on your own. You're following a line of inquiry or just finding what you like or want to engage by your own volition. This is an important type of learning too. This learning activity can be inspired by the forced books you experienced in the first type of learning.
The reason both are needed is if you solely reside in the second type of learning you are in danger of never provoking and exceeding your current limits; and you are also in danger of eventually getting desultory with everything, meaning flitting around from book to book and never reading any one of them in a serious effort. So at that point you need the first type of learning. You need to be told what to read and just do it.
If you're on your own and don't have anybody to tell you what to read then make a list of books you have contemplated reading and assign each a number. Then use a number generator on the internet. Which ever book/number comes up read that book as if you'd been assigned it in a class you have to pass to get your degree. You don't have a choice. Likely you will have been contemplating reading certain books that will have stretched you which is why you've been avoiding them. Put those books on the list.
