How many people do you see leading the world forward in technical fields "without a formal education". The answer is pretty close to none. If you don't know what was done by those before you, it is impossible to build on what they have done.
Orval and Wilbur Wright (owned a bike shop)
Howard Hughes with Lockheed (was not an aeronautical engineer)
Henry Timken inventor of the taper roller bearing ( wagon builder)
Gottlieb Daimler Inventor of the Motorcycle and Automobile (was a gunsmith)
I can go on and on shooting holes in your post.
Orval and Wilbur Wright (owned a bike shop)
Howard Hughes with Lockheed (was not an aeronautical engineer)
Henry Timken inventor of the taper roller bearing ( wagon builder)
Gottlieb Daimler Inventor of the Motorcycle and Automobile (was a gunsmith)
I can go on and on shooting holes in your post.