<p>Well, modern technology is rapidly changing and becoming increasingly more complex. I don’t think it’s fair to compare modern innovations to the invention of the wheel. Whether you go to college or read lots of books on your own, you’re going to need substantial and continuous education in order to enter and stay in the field of engineering.</p>
<p>I should also add that the point of an engineering education is to prevent or reduce “guess-work”. You have to be able to come up with an idea, design it, simulate it, and test it, sometimes all before even building a prototype.</p>