I don't agree with the comment you're replying to, but wanted to point out that there's a huge difference between being teachable and trying to learn. The "eggheads and tinkerers" are perfectly teachable, but the labeling presumes dilettantes who don't seek out either mastery or leadership, or a role in the greater world.

You can inspire somebody like that to change, but it's a lot more work than taking somebody who's already seeking it on their own.