tl;dr How does one pragmatically become a master in their field of specialization provided he/she begins with the usual resources and faculties available to the average American citizen?
This thread is intended to focus on the abstract process rather than an individual instance (not specifically math, geology, medicine, etc.). Take it as granted that whomever would follow your advice is not a knuckle-dragging brainlet (no matter how unlikely you believe this to be in reality); also assume they have the drive and time to pursue mastering and extending the limits of their particular domain of interest. You will start with an economically average American that will have the capacity to attend university immediately after high school if choosing to do so is most advantageous. Do not assume they are in the Xth percentile of standardized testing or intelligence, as this is meant to be a generalized guide for the mildly to exceptionally gifted - varying results will inevitably follow without actively dissuading the less endowed.
Given that there are likely no living human beings who can confidently attest to knowing a clear path to successful mastery in their field (and narrowing the results to participants of a science board on a Mongolian basket-weaving website), I recommend you explicitly draw parallels from your own personal experiences and path through academics and your career. It is alright to utilize specific instantization for this case, as long as you bring something useful back to the abstract; no one will be intentionally mirroring your actions to mimic your particular success/failure story.
This thread is intended to focus on the abstract process rather than an individual instance (not specifically math, geology, medicine, etc.). Take it as granted that whomever would follow your advice is not a knuckle-dragging brainlet (no matter how unlikely you believe this to be in reality); also assume they have the drive and time to pursue mastering and extending the limits of their particular domain of interest. You will start with an economically average American that will have the capacity to attend university immediately after high school if choosing to do so is most advantageous. Do not assume they are in the Xth percentile of standardized testing or intelligence, as this is meant to be a generalized guide for the mildly to exceptionally gifted - varying results will inevitably follow without actively dissuading the less endowed.
Given that there are likely no living human beings who can confidently attest to knowing a clear path to successful mastery in their field (and narrowing the results to participants of a science board on a Mongolian basket-weaving website), I recommend you explicitly draw parallels from your own personal experiences and path through academics and your career. It is alright to utilize specific instantization for this case, as long as you bring something useful back to the abstract; no one will be intentionally mirroring your actions to mimic your particular success/failure story.
