Learned to clutch on a tractor at 12. Got my farm to market license at 15, drove an ancient Marmon 13 speed from farm to the processer in town. Wife drove a Carman Gia 4 speed when we met. First car was a truck, 4 on the floor and stick transfer case. 28 years old before I owned an automatic. Kids and grandkids all learned on standard transmissions. I do think an automatic is the best thing to drive, if you are stuck in traffic on IH 35, 45,10,20,30,40......