Designed to provide a general guide and stimuli for lifelong learning, this book examines all the positive factors of independent study. Lifelong learning is defined as self-directed growth free from the traditional schooling procedures. Chapters discuss the following: the lifelong learner; profiles of such learners in action; how to be self-directed; how to learn; the "Invisible University"; and what basic books to read to start a learning experience. Presented are case studies of such typical people as Tillie Lewis, who learned to grow pomodoro tomatoes in California when most thought it impossible, to famous self-taught individuals like Malcolm X, who acquired his education while serving time in the Norfolk Prison Colony. The Invisible University is a term constructed by the author to represent the wealth of new and informal arenas for learning: learning exchanges, educational brokers, networks of amateur scholars, libraries, television and many others. Self-education is promoted not only for the individual benefits but also for the social implications of creating a society of free, lifelong learners. A basic bookshelf list is given to help the individual become acquainted with the possibilities within each person to become an independent learner. Included are such books as: Gail Sheehy's "Passages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life" (1976); Ari Kiev's "A Strategy for Daily Living" (1973); Allen Tough's "The Adult's Learning Projects" (1971); and Carlos Castaneda's "The Teachings of Don Juan" (1969). (LC)