In  Dumbing us Down, John Taylor Gatto explains how the Public Education system fosters dependence and helps us become good citizens by stripping us of our curiosity and independent thought and how it prepares us to take our place in a society of consumerism and conformity.
Book -  4 1/2 stars

Charles D. Hayes is an autodidact, a self-educated person. He is superb writer and an excellent thinker. In Self University: The Price of Tuition is the Desire to Learn:Your Degree is a Better Life he gives you insight into the process of self-directed learning and ample justification for embarking on a life of learning.
Book - 5 stars

Although not the most recognized of John Holt's work, Instead Of Education: Ways To Help People Do Things Better is one of his best. In it he explains what is wrong with modern compulsory education and suggest alternatives that make sense. Great for anyone interested in self education or helping children learn better.
Book - 5 stars