This feels terribly antiquated and not accurate, but I think it is your choice of words.

Might I suggest:

"The person that we will grow to be is strongly influenced by who we choose as role models and mentors (influencers) and the learning materials we choose."

I still read books and have in-person associations, but they are a smaller contribution to my learning than they were in my past. I read things not books, mostly I read things using a computer and rarely are they books. Pretty much the only books I consume are audio books for entertainment. I have a paper library for references but am more likely these days to just query the internet for things I would have looked up in a paper book.

You seem to have disregarded hands-on training. I am teaching myself to weld, solder and cast metals. I continue to learn to cultivate ornamental and edible plants.

Criticism is important in teaching and learning. We need to take time to criticize. Like this piece I am writing. I hope this helps you be a better writer. I would gladly accept criticism of my welding; I want to know what I am doing wrong.

I think the people who think they know it all are suffering from the Dunning-Kruger effect.

TEK