how did you learn to work on cars?

Dad was "THE" mechanic at our local Chrysler dealer for most of his working years... His side jobs started because so many people requested him at the dealer, they could not give him all the work.... He had me rebuilding alternators and starters at 10-12 yrs old (how many people actually rebuild them for themselves anymore???), and teaching me why one brake shoe has more surface length then the other.....