how did you learn to work on cars?

My Great Uncle Dale taught me how to do an oil change when I was 19. After I joined the Air Force, my best friend taught me all I know and still helps me today with information, even though he lives very far away from me now. When I lived only 3 hours away, he came down and helped me put my 71 440 4-speed Duster together. Also, like you, I try to read what I can to obtain some knowledge on how to do things. Fortunately I have manuals as well.